The Policy & Planning Unit consists of the Certification Unit, the Rights and Accountability Unit, and the Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Unit. The Policy & Planning Unit is responsible for managing and directing the Department’s work in the legislative and the regulatory process, certification and compliance programs, the resident grievance process, and record requests.
The Certification Unit conducts certification audits of programs and facilities regulated by the Department and the State Board of Juvenile Justice. The Certification Unit inspects and monitors court service units, group homes, juvenile detention centers, and Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center to ensure that all programs and residential facilities are complying with regulatory standards and that the conditions of placement or confinement are safe and secure. The Certification Unit also provides technical assistance to programs and residential facilities to improve successfully functioning programs serving court referred youth.
The Rights and Accountability Unit is tasked with ensuring staff and resident’s rights are protected while at the same time striving to modify poor behavior through accountability measures. The unit is staffed by Human Rights Coordinators, who, along with their management team operate independently from the JCC in order to provide youth with an outlet for addressing concerns.