Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
Congress enacted the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) as a federal law which is designed to prevent, detect and respond to sexual abuse and sexual harassment of individuals in prisons, jails, juvenile detention facilities, lock up facilities and community confinement facilities.
The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center has a zero tolerance policy prohibiting all forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment from staff members, interns, volunteers, and contractors and any form of resident sexual misconduct between residents. Our policy mandates training for staff which includes accepting reports from residents regarding allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. If the JTDC discovers a resident has been sexually abused or sexually harassed or is at substantial risk of imminent sexual abuse, immediate action will be taken to protect him or her.
Reporting
If a third party such as a parent, attorney, family member or friend suspects or is aware of sexual abuse has occurred in the JTDC, reports will be accepted. You may request to speak to a Supervisor in Charge in person, via phone at (312) 738-8200, or contact the JTDC PREA Coordinator, Melinda Maciel. Information provided will assist with an investigation. All allegations of sexual abuse and sexual harassment will be investigated and are taken seriously.
Melinda Maciel
PREA Coordinator & DOJ Certified Auditor
Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center
1100 South Hamilton Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Office: (312) 433-5818
Fax: (312) 350-5962
Email: melinda.maciel@cookcountyil.gov
Victim Services
JTDC’s policy is to provide victims of sexual abuse with the same victim services that could be attained within the community. In an effort to assist victims under our direct care, we have a contracted with Rape Victim Advocates. Rape Victim Advocates is a Chicago-based rape crisis center which provides medical and legal advocacy. Communication between RVA advocates and victims is confidential.
Data Review
In compliance with Section 115.388 of the PREA Standards, the JTDC has reviewed data collected and aggregated pursuant to section 115.387 in order to assess and improve the effectiveness of its sexual abuse prevention, detection, and policies.
Audit Report
Pursuant to 115.401, the JTDC PREA Audit is available to be viewed, click here.