OYA's goal is to have zero sexual assaults. Compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is part of OYA’s continuous effort to keep youth safe while they are in custody.
PREA is a federal law that supports prevention of sexual assault and rape within corrections systems. It applies to all federal and state prisons, jails, police lock-ups, private facilities, and community correctional settings. It includes adult and juvenile, and male and female facilities.
PREA mandates national data collection efforts, provides funding for program development and research, and leads a national commission to develop standards and accountability measures.