Legislation aimed at transforming the troubled-teen industry is poised to reach President Joe Biden’s desk for approval. The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act was passed by the House with a significant majority following its unanimous approval in the Senate just a week prior.
This bipartisan bill mandates a thorough federal study on the prevalence and extent of child abuse and fatalities within youth residential programs, releasing reports every two years over the next decade. The study will assess current regulations and professional standards governing these programs while offering recommendations for enhancing federal and local oversight.
The legislation represents a major victory for years of advocacy by child welfare proponents and survivors of the troubled-teen industry, which includes various institutions like boarding schools, residential treatment centers, and wilderness camps for youths facing emotional or psychological challenges. The industry has been marred by numerous scandals involving cases of abuse and neglect. With many of these programs not receiving government funding, they have been largely regulated by state authorities, often eluding scrutiny due to inconsistent enforcement or loopholes, as highlighted by previous investigations.
To ensure a comprehensive study, the National Academies, known for advising policymakers, will be mandated to consult with a diverse group, including child advocates, health professionals, former residents of these facilities, parents, operators of the programs, and various government agencies.
A coalition of child welfare advocacy groups played a crucial role in lobbying for this legislation. High-profile figures, such as Paris Hilton, actively participated in the movement, leading demonstrations and press conferences to advocate for reform within the troubled teen sector. Hilton expressed her hope in a tweet following the bill’s passage, stating, “This moment is proof that our voices matter… no child should ever endure the horrors of abuse in silence.”
Her involvement followed her revelations in a 2020 memoir and documentary about the abuses she faced at a facility in Utah two decades ago, prompting her to push for increase oversight of such institutions.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., a co-sponsor of the bill, acknowledged Hilton’s influence, noting her relentless advocacy in bringing attention to these issues within Congress. He emphasized the importance of survivors sharing their stories to drive change for future generations of children.
While this legislation is a significant step forward, it is a condensed version of earlier proposals that sought to establish broader rights for children in these facilities, including ensuring basic necessities, prohibiting the withholding of food, sleep, or hydration, and limiting punitive isolation practices.
Overall, this bill marks a hopeful turning point for child welfare reforms, sending a strong message that the government is ready to take meaningful action in protecting vulnerable youth and ensuring a safer environment in residential programs. The engagement of survivors and advocates underscores the power of collective voices in instigating legislative change, fostering an optimistic outlook on improving the child welfare landscape.