DJJDP PREA Sexual Abuse Annual Report - CY 2025

• One hundred and two allegations of behavior that may have qualified as sexual abuse or sexual harassment were received during 2025.
• After review, forty-two allegations were determined to meet PREA definitions. The remaining allegations were investigated and responded to according to other, non-PREA policies.  
• After thorough investigation by specially trained sexual abuse and sexual harassment investigators, sixteen PREA allegations were substantiated.
• Three of these substantiated PREA incidents involved staff-on-resident sexual abuse and resulted in facility-level corrective action.
• The Department continued to strengthen PREA training, data tracking, drills, reporting awareness, and facility consultation.
• The Department attributes the increase in reported allegations, in part, to improved resident education and awareness that encourages broader reporting.

This report is intended to support the Department's review and analysis of PREA data and corrective actions pursuant to applicable PREA requirements. 

Note: New reports received from allegations in previous years may affect data collection.  
*Other = other misconduct (Not PREA) 

Data Observations

One investigation reflected in the 2025 data remained in follow up at years’ end. 

Trend Analysis

Figure 2: Juvenile Justice Substantiated Incidents for Years 2024-2025 

During 2025, three substantiated staff-on-resident sexual abuse cases required corrective action at a juvenile justice facility. The facilities completed comprehensive reviews of the incidents and made site-specific programming and monitoring adjustments designed to limit the potential for future abuse. In addition, the following occurred.

Facility: Wake Juvenile Detention Center 

The Department implemented the following corrective actions:

1. Conducted a facility meeting to discuss ways to improve general preventative safety measures. 
2. Reviewed relevant PREA policies with facility staff.
3. Reviewed staff assignment patterns and security protocols.
4. Involved staff members resigned prior to completion of the investigation.
5. Referral of suspected criminal actions to the local Department of Social Services and law enforcement.
6. Staff member was convicted of related criminal charges. 

Facility: Chatham Youth Development Center 

The Department continued to strengthen its PREA program through the following initiatives:

Training and Education

• Updated training and printed PREA program materials.
• Provided site-specific training and consultation.
• Continued use of e-learning software to improve training quality and responsiveness.

Policy and Compliance

• Coordinated with Human Resources and other Department stakeholders to support ongoing compliance with PREA-related hiring, training, and promotion requirements.
• Continued review and implementation of PREA policies and procedures.

Data and Technology

• Coordinated with North Carolina Department of Information Technology to enhance PREA data tracking and reporting capabilities.

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Participated in the National PREA Coordinators Conference to obtain updated guidance and best practices.
• Collaborated with Department communications and other stakeholders to strengthen PREA education and awareness. 

NCDPS conducts PREA compliance audits as part of the federal PREA audit cycle. Audit findings from current and previous audit cycles are maintained by the Department and made available through the agency's website.

Audit reports and additional PREA information are available through the Department's public PREA resources. 

Agency Review, Approval, and Public Availability

This report summarizes the Department's review of PREA data, trends, corrective actions, and program improvements for Calendar Year 2025.

Agency Approval

Name: Erin Hickey

Title: PREA Manager          

Date:9/25/2026

Public Posting Location: www.ncdps.gov

NCDPS remains committed to eliminating sexual abuse and sexual harassment through prevention, detection, response, investigation, training, and data analysis.

The Department's 2025 data demonstrate continued reporting of allegations and ongoing efforts to strengthen a culture in which youth are encouraged to report concerns. The Department will continue to use PREA data, audit findings, facility feedback, and identified trends to guide corrective actions and program improvements. 

PREA Background and Definitions 

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 was enacted by Congress to address sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement settings. The PREA National Standards establish requirements for prevention, detection, response, investigation, data collection, and corrective action.

NCDPS has a standard of zero-tolerance of sexual abuse and sexual harassment toward juveniles either by employees, volunteers, contractors, and custodial agents, or by other juveniles. We make a commitment to provide professional and appropriate services to the juveniles and families we serve and support to staff for their roles in accomplishing these responsibilities. PREA's mission is to promote public safety by the administration of a fair and humane system which provides reasonable opportunities for system-involved juveniles to develop progressively responsible behavior.

For purposes of this report, sexual abuse and sexual harassment are defined consistent with the applicable PREA National Standards. Detailed statutory and regulatory definitions are not reproduced in this annual report and may be referenced through the applicable PREA regulations and Department policies. 

Agency Mission

Pursuant to the PREA National Standards §115.88 §115.288, and §115.388 data review for corrective action, the agency prepares an annual report of its findings and corrective actions for each facility.  

This report summarizes and compares the agency’s accomplishments during the calendar year 2025. 

For more information on this Annual Report, contact the PREA office at:

North Carolina Department of Public Safety
JJDP PREA Office
4212 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4212

Telephone: (919) 825-6065
Website: www.ncdps.gov  
Email: JJDP_PREA@ncdps.gov