Section 214-RICR-10-00-1.23 - Prison Rape Elimination ActA. The Department complies with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for all youth. Department Operating Procedures outline and implement a comprehensive approach to preventing, detecting and responding to sexual abuse, including voyeurism, and sexual harassment.B. Any physical contact of a sexual or sexualized nature between any RITS provider, vendor, contractor, volunteer, or staff toward a youth detained or adjudicated at the RITS is deemed abusive; such contact is reported to the CPS Hotline and is investigated. 1. The Department has zero tolerance for voyeurism or sexual harassment by any Department provider, contractor, volunteer or staff toward a youth detained or adjudicated at the RITS and includes voyeurism and/or sexual harassment as a form of sexual abuse.C. Any Department staff engaging in sexual abuse or harassment toward a child/youth in care or detained or adjudicated at the RITS is subject to discipline up to and including dismissal without warning and referred to law enforcement agencies unless the activity was clearly not criminal, and to relevant licensing bodies, as appropriate.D. Any contractor, provider, intern or volunteer who violates Department sexual abuse or harassment policies is prohibited from contact with residents and reported to law enforcement agencies, unless the activity was clearly not criminal, and to relevant licensing bodies, as appropriate.214 R.I. Code R. 214-RICR-10-00-1.23
Adopted effective 12/27/2018