How are contractors and volunteers addressed under PREA?

• A. They must comply with PREA standards, receive training, be screened for sexual abuse risk, and be subject to investigation if abuse occurs.
• B. They are exempt from PREA standards.
• C. They are only allowed to observe but not interact.
• D. They are screened but not required to receive PREA training.

Answer: (A)

Under PREA, contractors and volunteers are treated the same as staff in terms of protecting residents. They must comply with PREA standards, receive PREA training, be screened for risk of sexual abuse, and are subject to investigation if abuse occurs. Training covers prevention, how to report concerns, resident rights, and the facility’s policies; screening helps identify past misconduct or risk factors before they work with residents. If an incident involves a contractor or volunteer, it’s investigated under PREA procedures, with appropriate accountability measures. This uniform approach ensures safety and accountability for all individuals who interact with residents.