Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

"There's No Excuse" Campaign Calls on Governors to Protect Youth from the Dangers of Adult Jails and Prisons

During the month of April, thousands of individuals and organizations will be calling on their governors to cease the practice of placing youth in adult jails and prisons in order to comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Passed unanimously by Congress in 2003, PREA restricts the placement of youth in adult jails and prisons. The U.S. Department of Justice regulations state: “as a matter of policy, the Department supports strong limitations on the confinement of adults with juveniles.” The regulations ban the housing of youth in the general adult population, prohibit contact between youth and adults in common areas, and limit the use of isolation.

Children in adult jails and prisons are:

--At the greatest risk of sexual victimization according to the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission;

--Often placed in solitary confinement 'for their own protection' which is detrimental to their mental health and can result in suicide; and

--Denied educational services, counseling and other supports.

It is crucial that governors fully protect children from the dangers of adult jails and prisons. Rather than try to segregate children from adults in adult jails and prisons which often leads to solitary confinement, governors should implement best practices by removing youth from adult jails and prisons.

Take Action Now!

Here are 2 things you can do today:

(1) Tell your governor there's no excuse for keeping kids in adult jails and prisons!

Click here to contact your governor!

(2) Spread the word!

Throughout the month of April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we hope you will spread the word! We will be sharing information and ways to get involved. To get updates, sign up for the CFYJ blog, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @JusticeforYouth. Our hashtag is: #Implement PREA.

PREA Materials:

CFYJ Press Release
CFYJ Fact Sheet
CFYJ Infographic (download here)

Sample Social Media Messages:

Facebook

--The National Prison Rape Elimination Commission found that “more than any other group of incarcerated persons, youth incarcerated with adults are probably at the highest risk for sexual abuse. Sign our petition to show your support: http://tinyurl.com/c84ry9q

--Every year 100,000 youth are in adult jails and prisons. Youth who are held in adult facilities are at the greatest risk of rape and sexual victimization. Get Involved. http://tinyurl.com/c5ycxk5

--Due to the extreme conditions of confinement and exposure to adult jails and prisons, youth have the highest suicide rates of all inmates in jails. Protect Children from Rape in Adult Jails and Prisons. Sign our petition to show your support: http://tinyurl.com/c84ry9q

--April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Please help us ensure the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is implemented in your state. The goal of PREA is to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse in detention and correctional facilities. Visit here to find out what you can do- http://tinyurl.com/c5ycxk5

Twitter

--To “protect” youth in adult facilities, some jails & prisons keep youth in solitary isolation for up to 23 hrs a day #ImplementPREA

--Youth who are held in adult facilities are at the greatest risk of rape and sexual victimization. Get Involved. http://tinyurl.com/c5ycxk5 #ImplementPREA

--Every year 100,000 youth are in adult jails and prisons.

--April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Protect Children from Rape in Adult Jails and Prisons. Sign our petition to show your support: http://tinyurl.com/c5ycxk5 #ImplementPREA

There's No Excuse! Protect Children from Rape in Adult Jails and Prisons. Visit here to see what you can do today http://tinyurl.com/c5ycxk5 #ImplementPREA