PREA_Agreement_-_Juvenile_Detention_Center_Visit.docx

January 3, 2022

PREA Agreement for: Outside Agencies, Contractors, Attorneys, Medical and Mental Health Practitioners.

POLICY: PREA Standards regarding employment practices have been adopted to ensure that potential employees, current employees, promotional candidates, contractors and volunteers have a background check that has been extensively reviewed.

1. The agency will conduct periodic criminal background checks, some of which are mandated to occur earlier, but at least every five years to persons entering this facility.

2. It is the Policy of Pierce County Juvenile Court that detainee(s) at the Juvenile Detention facility shall be protected from neglect, harassment or abuse, including physical, sexual and verbal abuse, and housed in a manner that protects their welfare.

3. PCJC mandates a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and any acts that are not consistent with our mission of operating a safe, secure and humane detention facility.

4. ALL Staff are strictly prohibited from inappropriate interactions with detainees (as defined above).

5. All persons entering this facility shall maintain a Proactive Awareness. Any person who has witnessed, suspected or received information (including anonymously), that a detainee has suffered sexual abuse, neglect or sexual harassment while in the facility or another facility involving PCJC employees, volunteers or contractors shall promptly report such incidents to the Detention Manager or in his absence a Detention Supervisor. The initial report may be verbal, but must be followed by written documentation in a timely manner.

6. All medical and mental health practitioners, nurses, or teachers who are employed by or have a contractual relationship with PCJC who have reasonable cause to believe that a detainee has suffered abuse or neglect (whether inside or outside of the facility), shall report such incident. This often means a report to the police jurisdiction that maintains investigatory authority pertaining to the allegation. Incidents of Child Abuse must be reported to Department of Social and Health Services (Child Protective Services).

7. Any Employee, vendor, volunteer or contractual employee who, after investigation are found to have a sustained finding of custodial sexual misconduct shall be disciplined to the fullest extent possible, up to and including termination. Any incident will be reported to law enforcement and a formal filing of criminal charges may also occur.

8. Retaliation in any form against any detainee, staff, witness, or victim who reports sexual abuse or sexual harassment, or other inappropriate behavior is prohibited. It is the responsibility of ALL Staff to monitor the conduct or treatment of detainees while in the facility.

9. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to enlist the services of any contractor or to utilize a volunteer.

10. EXCEPTIONS TO THE ABOVE

There may be exceptions to the above requirements, including: medical or mental health services, attorney-client privileges, or privileged religious communications. These confidential, legal and ethical standards will be considered and honored in addition to the PREA and Security standards (e.g., confidential communications, shaking of hands between attorney and client, etc.). The above requirements are not meant to preempt the Rules of Professional Conduct.

By Signing, I understand my reporting obligations and will adhere to the above.

Print:_____________________________/Sign ___________________________

Agency_______________________________/Position _______________

Date signed______________________________

*This agreement is good for one calendar year, at which time you will be asked to review for any updates and to sign again.

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