The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act 2011
Introduced (Oct 6, 2011)
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on October 6, 2011. Most bills and resolutions are assigned to committees which consider them before they move to the House or Senate as a whole.
Residential Programs for Teens Act would:
Keep Teens Safe
1) Prohibit programs from physically, mentally, or sexually abusing children
2) Prohibit programs from denying essential food, water, clothing, shelter, or medical care
3) Programs must provide children with reasonable access to a telephone
4) Staff must be trained in what is child abuse and neglect and how to report it
5) Programs can only physically restrain children if it is necessary for their safety and the safety of others, and restraint must be used in accordance with federal law
6) Programs must have plans in place to provide emergency medical care
Increase Transparency for Parents
1) Create a website with information about cases of abuse at residential treatment programs
2) Require programs to inform parents of their staff members’ qualifications, roles, and responsibilities
3) Require programs to notify parents of substantiated reports of child abuse or violations of health and safety laws
The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act 2011
