Georgia DJJ Detention Center Earns National Accreditation

(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) announced today that the Martha K. Glaze Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) obtained accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The 70-bed secure facility in Clayton County underwent operational and treatment service audits and received accreditation on August 1 at the ACA 156th Congress of Correction in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“We are grateful to receive accreditation from the American Correctional Association,” said Georgia DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “I thank the Martha K. Glaze RYDC team for their commitment to utilizing best practices to provide a safe and secure environment for the youth in our care.”

The ACA conducted an extensive on-site three-day audit, including an in-depth assessment of the RYDC through staff interviews, a comprehensive facility tour, observation of staff performing their duties, and review of vital files and records. The facility scored 100 percent on the ACA mandatory standards.

This is the first time the facility has obtained this national achievement. Additional Georgia DJJ secure facilities accredited by the ACA are in Bibb, Cobb, Crisp, Floyd, Muscogee, Rockdale, Terrell, Thomas, Whitfield and Wilkes 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.

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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

Related Files

ACA 156th Congress of Correction - Martha K. Glaze RYDC (IMG, 3.84 MB) ACA 156th Congress of Correction - Martha K. Glaze RYDC