(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (Georgia DJJ) announced today that the Loftiss, Crisp, and Terrell Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs) obtained reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The secure facilities for justice-involved youth underwent rigorous operations and treatment service audits and received reaccreditation on February 7 at the ACA Winter Conference in Long Beach, California.

"I am thrilled to receive reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association,” said Georgia DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “Ensuring we utilize national best practices to provide a safe and secure environment for our youth remains at the forefront of all we do. I am so grateful for the hard work and commitment of our RYDC team members, who once again achieved this important milestone.”

The ACA conducted extensive on-site three-day audits last October and November, including an in-depth assessment of the RYDCs through staff interviews, comprehensive facility tours, observation of staff performing their duties, and reviews of vital files and records. The facilities scored 100 percent on the ACA mandatory standards.

This year marks the third time the facilities obtained this national achievement. The ACA first accredited the facilities in 2019 and again in 2023. Additional Georgia DJJ secure facilities accredited by the ACA are in Bibb, Muscogee, Wilkes, Whitfield, Floyd, Cobb, and Rockdale counties.

ACA is the oldest association developed specifically for practitioners in the correctional profession. The ACA standards are considered the national benchmark for the effective operation of correctional systems throughout the United States and are necessary to ensure that correctional facilities are operated professionally. They address services, programs, and operations essential to good correctional management, including administrative and fiscal controls, staff training and development, physical plant, safety and emergency procedures, sanitation, food service, and rules and discipline. Standards reflect practical, up-to-date policies and procedures that safeguard staff and offenders' life, health, and safety.

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi-faceted agency that serves the state's justice-involved youth up to 21 years of age. The Department's mission is to transform young lives by providing evidence-based rehabilitative treatment services and supervision, strengthening youth and families' well-being, and fostering safe communities.