PREA Compliance & Safety

Appalachian Youth Service maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of abuse and harassment. The safety of every youth in our care is the baseline of everything we do.

To report an allegation of sexual abuse or harassment on behalf of a resident at AYS, the following external reporting methods are available: ChildLine (800) 832-0313 or Adult Protective Services (if over 18) (800) 490-8505. Reports can also be made directly to an AYS staff member at (814) 471-6909 or (814) 471-6548.

What is PREA?

A national standard for safety.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was enacted to eliminate sexual abuse and harassment in confinement settings. Its national standards, published by the U.S. Department of Justice and effective June 20, 2012, set clear requirements for the prevention, detection, and response to sexual abuse and harassment.

As a licensed juvenile residential provider, Appalachian Youth Service complies with and meets these standards across our programs.

Appalachian Youth Services Campus View

Our Zero-Tolerance Commitment

AYS does not tolerate any form of prohibited behavior. This includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, retaliation of any kind, and sexual activity among clients.

Prevention

Rigorous staff training, screening, and supervision practices designed to prevent abuse before it can occur.

Detection

Clear procedures and an affirmative duty for all staff, contractors, and volunteers to identify and document concerns immediately.

Response

Immediate reporting to external authorities, separation of victim from abuser, and independent investigation of every allegation.

Accountability & transparency

Audits & Annual Review

To demonstrate compliance, juvenile facilities must be audited by a certified PREA auditor every three years. In keeping with PREA Standards, AYS annually reviews its data, takes any needed corrective action, prepares an annual report of findings, and makes aggregated data available to the public.

0

Reported Incidents

Zero allegations or incidents of abuse, harassment, or retaliation during the October 2024–October 2025 review period.

Independently Audited

We completed our most recent certified PREA facility audit in February 2025.

3 Year

Audit Cycle

Recurring certified audits keep our facilities accountable to the full national PREA standards.

PREA Compliance Documents

Download our published policy, annual findings, and independent audit report.

PREA Policy Statement

Our zero-tolerance policy on all forms of abuse, harassment, and retaliation — including staff reporting duties and response procedures under the Prison Rape Elimination Act.

PREA Annual Report of Findings (2025)

Our yearly PREA review covering October 2024–October 2025, reporting zero allegations or incidents of abuse, harassment, or retaliation, as required under PREA Standard 115.388.

PREA Facility Audit Report — Kathys House (2024)

The final report from our independent, certified PREA auditor for Kathys House, completed February 2025, documenting facility compliance with national PREA standards.

PREA Facility Audit Report — Kathys House (2021)

The final report from our independent, certified PREA auditor for Kathys House, completed August 2021, documenting facility compliance with national PREA standards.

PREA Facility Audit Report — Kathys House (2019)

The final report from our independent, certified PREA auditor for Kathys House, completed January 2019, documenting facility compliance with national PREA standards.

Questions about our safety practices?

We’re glad to discuss our PREA compliance, policies, and audit results with families, caseworkers, and partners.

Questions about our safety practices?

We’re glad to discuss our PREA compliance, policies, and audit results with families, caseworkers, and partners.