[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         STOP CHILD ABUSE IN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 23, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the Stop Child 
Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act, which would require 
standards and enforcement provisions to prevent child abuse and neglect 
in residential programs for teens with behavioral, emotional, mental 
health, or substance abuse problems.
  When families struggle with a troubled teen, many eventually look to 
private or public residential programs for help. Parents deserve to 
know that their child will be safe and in good hands. However, in some 
states residential facilities are subject to state law or regulation, 
but in other states they are not. Because of the resulting loose 
patchwork of state oversight and lack of accountability, at some 
programs, young people have been subject to abuse and neglect. In a 
small number of cases, this abuse and neglect has led to the death of a 
child.
  The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act sets new 
national standards to prohibit abuse and neglect and increases 
transparency to help parents make safer choices for their children. The 
bill also holds teen residential programs accountable for violating the 
law and asks states to step in to protect teens in these programs.
  We have an obligation to keep teens safe, especially when they and 
their families are battling behavioral, emotional, mental health, or 
substance abuse problems. I hope that this legislation will support 
families in their pursuit of the health and well-being of their 
children.

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