Creating safer facilities by enhancing compliance of PREA standards through comprehensive training and enhanced safety & surveillance protocols to lead to the detection and prevention of sexual abuse

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) is responsible for providing funding and oversight to 18 Community Based Correctional Facilities located at 21 sites and 13 Halfway House agencies in over 30 sites statewide who provide treatment, education, employment and special services to adult offenders. When combined, these community correction agencies occupy more than 40 facilities/sites throughout the state of Ohio. This project will increase the knowledge of staff and residents at these community confinement facilities by providing educational materials, more evidence-based training, and "PREA Observations," from the PREA Coordinator. This project also proposes to promote a culture of safety for both staff and residents by providing the necessary supplies and equipment to enhance the tools currently in place to achieve PREA compliance. The activities required to achieve the project goals are to 1) purchase a 3-year subscription to a training platform.  The training site will ensure all staff, including new staff, receive the required training according to the PREA standards.  2) Purchase new PREA compliant shower curtains, increase cameras, mirrors, and educational materials; and implement direct involvement of the PREA Coordinator during different shifts. 3) Develop increased evidence-based training and programming to assist staff in addressing trauma in residents and to help educate residents on the impact of trauma; and enhancing facility surveillance with the purchase of a replacement server system.