Prison Rape Elimination Act

Zero Tolerance Policy

China Spring Youth Camp has a Zero Tolerance Policy against all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. The protection of the facility’s youth against all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment is important. All employees, staff, residents, contract employees, contract services personnel, volunteers and visitors are subject to the Zero Tolerance Policy.

How do I report sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment?
Residents of the facility have the right to report sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment free of retaliation and consequence. Reports can be filed in the following ways:

  1. Tell a trusted staff member, request a supervisor, or request to speak to a member of Administration. Administration accepts phone calls 24 hours a day.
  2. Complete a Grievance form and place in the secured box.
  3. Ask staff to make a private phone call and contact one of the listed outside agencies provided during intake.
  4. Use the dorm phone to select a pre-programmed number:
    • Line 1: Internal PREA Message Line for PREA Compliance Coordinator/Manager. This is checked by message and email by the PREA Compliance Coordinator/Manager.
    • Line 2: Contact Family Support Council for Victim Services, Emotional Support, or to contact your designated advocate.
      • Phone: 775-782-8692.
      • Physical Address: 1255 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, NV 89410
      • Mailing: P.O. Box 810 Minden, NV 89423
    • Line 3: Contact the Reno Crisis Call Center
      • Phone: 1-800-992-5757
      • Physical Address: 900 N. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89557
  5. Residents may also request a private phone call to their parents, JPO, attorney, or other guardian.
  6. Parents or other third parties may report on behalf of a resident using any of the contact numbers provided on the website, including contacting Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Additionally, residents of China Spring Youth Camp will receive ongoing PREA Education about their protection of sexual abuse and sexual harassment from the PREA Compliance Manager or designee. The curriculum will be designed to be age appropriate and take into consideration any limitations the resident may have.

When a complaint rises to the level of an internal investigation it will be assigned to a designated individual. All criminal investigations will be referred to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. If the Sheriff’s Office declines to investigate, CSYC will initiate an Administrative Investigation.

All residents have an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from all aspects of the agency’s efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse and sexual harassment. China Spring Youth Camp will provide alternative written material, formats that accommodate the hearing and vision impaired, and delivery methods that will allow for effective understanding and communication with residents upon intake.

Audit Results

PREA Facility Audit Report: Summary
Name of Facility: China Spring Youth Camp
Facility Type: Juvenile
Date Interim Report Submitted: 07/08/2016
Date Final Report Submitted: 12/13/2016

At the conclusion of this audit, China Spring Youth Camp is certified compliant with the National PREA Standards and exceeded 28 of 43 standards.

Summary of Audit Findings:
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) on-site audit of the China Spring Youth Camp (CSYC) began on March 14-16, 2016, and rescheduled to complete on May 2, 2016. Audit was completed by Kila Jager from Lebanon, Oregon, a U.S. Department of Justice Certified PREA Auditor for Juvenile/adult facilities. Pre-audit preparation included a thorough review of all documentation and materials submitted by the facility. The documentation reviewed included agency policies, procedures, forms, education materials, training curriculum, organizational charts, posters, brochures and other PREA related materials that were provided to demonstrate compliance with the PREA standards.

This review prompted a series of questions that were communicated back and forth for clarification and review. Answers to the questions were submitted by the CSYC management and reviewed by the auditor prior to the on-site audit in March- and the additional site visit in May 2016.

During the three days, on-site, in March, and additional day in May 2016, the auditor was provided with a work space, from which to work and conduct confidential interviews.

Formal personal interviews were conducted with facility staff, residents and contractors. The auditor interviewed 11 random residents, 6 males and 5 females-from the two housing units, and sixteen facility staff representing all three shifts. Included in the interviews were random staff–on all three shifts, specialty staff- including medical (contract staff), counseling, first responders, investigators, intake and screening, human resources, and training staff. Also interviewed were the agency Director and PREA Coordinators, (two as one changed jobs during the audit)

Residents were interviewed using the recommended DOJ protocols– that question their knowledge of a variety of PREA protections generally and specifically their knowledge of reporting mechanisms available to residents to report abuse or harassment.

Staff was questioned using the DOJ protocols that question their PREA training and overall knowledge of the agency’s zero tolerance policy, reporting mechanisms available to residents and staff, response protocols when a resident alleges abuse, and first-responder duties.

The auditor reviewed personnel files for random staff members-to determine compliance with training mandates and background check procedures; and case files for eight random residents–to evaluate screening, intake procedures, resident education and other general programmatic areas.

CSYC reports no allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment received, in the past 12 months so this auditor was unable to review any investigations, related documentation, or interview any victims; however, two youth interviewed did disclose experiencing prior sexual abuse and request advocate services. The disclosures were reported to the PREA Coordinator- who verified they had been reported and requested advocate services for the residents. The disclosures were reported to the PREA Coordinator- who verified they had been reported and requested advocate services for the residents. In the corrective action period, an investigation was conducted, and investigation documents were submitted, reviewed, and included in this audit.

This auditor toured the facility escorted by the PREA Coordinator (PC) and CSYC Director, and, observed the facility configuration, location of cameras, staff supervision of residents, unit layout, including shower/toilet areas, placement of posters, PREA informational resources, security monitoring, resident entrance and search procedures, and resident programming. Notices of the PREA audit were posted throughout the facility in common areas. Access was given to all parts of the facility, making touring the facility, as per the DOJ tour protocol, productive. Multiple walk-throughs gave the opportunity to talk informally to staff and residents during the visits.

This auditor was treated with great hospitality during the visit and residents and staff were made readily available to always. The CSYC leadership is invested in PREA compliance, as a high priority, and have expended significant effort to ensure the sexual safety of residents in their care. It was further evident that staff and residents were invested in PREA as demonstrated through their knowledge and understanding of the protections and requirements.

As reported on the PREA-Audit Questionnaire, CSYC received no allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment; thus, there were zero administrative investigations and zero criminal investigations related to sexual abuse or sexual harassment—during the pre-audit and site visit period. This auditor was able to review investigative documents during the corrective action period and they are included in the documentation of this audit.

When resident interviews were conducted, residents reflected that they were aware of and understood the PREA protections and the agency’s zero tolerance policy. Additionally, residents report receiving written materials at intake that provide detailed information about PREA protections, the multiple ways to report sexual abuse or harassment and ways to protect themselves from abuse.

Residents receive comprehensive PREA education that includes staff reading and explaining required safety information, and an orientation video-documented by both staff and youth signature.

Considered and accommodated are disabilities/needs residents may have to ensure understanding and internalizing of the PREA safety material.

Residents indicated they understand the various ways to report abuse and referred to the posters, throughout the facility, some with telephone numbers to call for advocate services and the internal phone to report sexual abuse or harassment. Residents could articulate what they would do and who they would tell if they were sexually abused. Residents consistently indicated, to this auditor, they felt safe in the facility.

Staff interviews indicated receiving detailed PREA training, and fluently discussed the agency’s zero tolerance policy and their role and responsibilities in the prevention, reporting and response to sexual abuse and sexual harassment.

Consistently explaining the variety of reporting mechanisms available, for residents and staff to report sexual abuse or sexual harassment, and actions needed as a PREA first responder-for all PREA related allegations

Intake staff articulated clearly the orientation process, video, understanding and orientation form, risk assessment and its use in the facility, and ongoing refreshers and discussions of safety and reporting. The auditor also spoke via telephone to the Family Support Council to discuss and confirm the agreement in place with the CSYC and the Washoe County Northern Nevada Child Abuse Response & Evaluations / Sexual Assault Response Team (CARES/SART)-to provide rape crisis intervention services and SANE forensic services and procedures provided for victims of sexual abuse.

The on-site portion of this audit reviewed additional documentation, practice, training, and how ingrained the PREA standards were into practice and culture of China Spring Youth Center (CSYC)

CSYC staff exhibited a high level of professionalism, consistency, and care towards the residents of this facility, and high standard of treatment and safety throughout the facility.

An Exit Meeting was held the final day of the audit and I complimented those present for the organization and enormous amount of work that was required and completed. I remarked on the organization of the onsite audit process. Their work and effort made the process more straightforward and less problematic and helped to ensure the audit went smoothly and no time was wasted. I noted that staff and management, at this facility, have a high commitment to safety and are of a high quality.

Following the May on-site visit, additional documentation was requested and provided. An extensive review of all information provided-including the site interviews, facility tour, observations, paperwork/documentation, and practice.

An Interim Report was provided to the China Spring Youth Camp. That report included the Audit Findings/Initial Summary. In the Auditor Compliance Tool, each standard was rated and a narrative explanation of the rationale for each rating was included. The Audit Findings/Initial Summary included a summary of the number of standards that were met, not met, exempt, or not applicable.

Recommendations for achieving compliance with each standard were provided for use in developing a Corrective Action Plan (CAP.) The agency then proceeded to develop their CAP, collaborating with this auditor in that process. Those plans were comprehensive and addressed all areas of concern China Spring worked diligently and professionally to address the PREA audit areas out of compliance, in the development and work of the Corrective Action Plan. This auditor found the facility employees to be extremely dedicated to providing quality services to the youth in their custody. The facility and staff are committed to caring for young people to help them to achieve success in their future lives.

The interim report was submitted on 7/28/2016 and within 4 months, China Spring submitted all corrective action documentation to attain PREA Compliance. This included: changes to policy and procedure, updated investigative training, obtaining an outside reporting source, update of all resident forms, handbooks and pamphlets, programming designated phones for reporting and advocate services, updating forms, updating the incident review team, form and report, youth and staff training on all updates, and creating a data base for report collection, investigation, referrals, tracking, and documentation.

Through diligent and thorough work, China Spring Youth Camp completed and exceeded all required corrective action. With great attention to detail–the slogan from China Spring is, minimal compliance is not good enough– CSYC put into policy/procedure, practice, and culture all actions required to exceed the corrective action standards, and upgrade the already compliant standards to
exceptional. At the writing of this final report, 12/13/16, China Spring Youth Camp is certified compliant with all PREA standards.

At the conclusion of this audit, China Spring Youth Camp is certified compliant with the National PREA Standards and exceeded 28 of 43 standards.

PREA Annual Reports