On Friday, July 8th, the staff of the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Mart were honored for their role in helping the facility to achieve Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliance. The on-site portion of the PREA Audit was conducted in January 2016 and the facility received the final reports for official PREA compliance in May 2016. Not only was 100 percent compliance achieved but the campus actually exceeded standards in five areas. This was a true accomplishment because no other facility has received five "exceeds" during this entire first round of PREA audits within the agency.
PREA Compliance Managers took an active role in ensuring that the staff were adequately rewarded for the dedication and hard work that was put forth towards accomplishing this goal. The PREA Staff Appreciation Carnival was a collaborative effort and sponsored through a partnership with the McLennan Police & Firemen’s Insurance Association, TJJD’s own Unity Committee, Administration, the Salvation Army, and other facets within the facility including, the Recreation Department, Maintenance, Training, and others.
The event included activities fitting of a carnival event, including sack races, putt-putt golf, hula-hoop contests, three-legged races, and a basketball shootout . Staff were encouraged to bring their children and enjoy the water slide. The Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association provided brisket, beans, sausage, potato salad, and bread. The Unity Committee, in partnership with the Salvation Army provided hamburgers, hotdogs, condiments, water, Gatorade, and even homemade ice-cream. The recreation department provided popcorn and snow cones.
A dessert contest was also conducted as one of the activities of the day, which included judges from local affiliates within the community, including Pizza Pro, a member from the Police & Firemen’s Insurance Association, and Central Office representation by way of Dr. Madeline Byrne.
A special schedule was also developed to allow staff on the dorms to participate in the picnic for at least 30 minutes. Door prizes were awarded every 15-30 minutes and included everything from restaurant gift cards, picnic coolers, mugs, plants, blankets, and many other usable items.
The event was a tremendous success and staff appeared to truly appreciate all of the efforts that were put into celebrating their PREA achievements.
PHOTO: Staff visit in the shade during the PREA achievement celebration.