[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         STOP CHILD ABUSE IN RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS ACT

  (Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, today I'm 
reintroducing the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens 
Act. This legislation will protect teenagers attending residential 
treatment programs from abuse by staff personnel.
  These programs range from boot camps to behavior modification 
facilities. They are often a last resort for parents trying to help a 
child deal with behavioral or other issues. But investigations by our 
committee found that these programs are not always run in a safe 
manner.
  Just last year, the Tampa Bay Times confirmed that problems continue, 
with stories of children being bruised, bloodied, and choked to 
unconsciousness at these programs, all in the name of discipline.
  My bill would make it illegal for a residential facility to deny a 
child essential water, food, clothing, shelter, or medical care, 
whether under the guise of discipline or therapy.
  It would also ensure that parents have the information needed to make 
safe choices for their children about these programs. When a parent 
turns to these programs for help, they should trust that their child 
will not suffer neglect, injury, or even death while undergoing 
therapy.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

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