http://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu/rtcconferen ... ?appid=192Addressing Abuse and Mistreatment of Youth Placed in Residential "Treatment" Facilities
Room: Salon H
Session Number: 6
Presenting: Allison Pinto; Robert Friedman
All Authors for this paper: Allison Pinto; Robert Friedman
Presentation Type: symposium
Chair: Allison Pinto Discussant: Robert Friedman
Synopsis: There is considerable inconsistency in how states across the U.S. regulate residential treatment programs for youth. In states with little oversight, the health and safety of youth are unprotected and they may be subject to substandard treatment, rights violations, and/or abuse. Four initiatives to address this issue will be described: 1) a survey of former program participants; 2) a four-state pilot study of state regulations; 3) a bridge-building conference between residential treatment providers and mental health leaders and 4) a youth-led advocacy effort. Next steps for the fields of law, mental health, education and family advocacy will be discussed.
Date: Monday, March 5, 2007
Session Time: 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Building Bridges with Residential Treatment Providers
Presenting: Robert Friedman
All Authors for this paper: Robert Friedman
Presentation Type: element of symposium
Synopsis: Concerns about state policies regarding residential treatment have been supported by a related development. The Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch of the U.S. Center for Mental Health Services convened a meeting in Omaha, Nebraska in June, 2006, to address the historic split between providers of residential care for children with mental health challenges, and advocates for home and community-based care within systems of care. The meeting brought together representatives from the federal, state, and local level, youth and family advocates, system of care council members, tribal representatives, providers of service, and representatives of national associations related to children?s mental health and to residential care. Although unlicensed, unregulated residential programs were not represented, the agreements that emerged should serve to inform parents, professionals who provide referrals to residential treatment programs, and the operators of all residential programs of the expectations that constitute g
Youth and Parent Perspectives on Residential Programs for ?Troubled Teens?
Presenting: Allison Pinto; Christina Young; Robert Friedman
All Authors for this paper: Allison Pinto; Christina Young; Robert Friedman
Presentation Type: element of symposium
Synopsis: As a means of gathering information about institutionalized abuse in unregulated residential facilities, an online survey has been developed and posted to collect firsthand reports from young adults who attended residential ?specialty? programs when they were adolescents and the parents of program participants. To date, hundreds of former program participants and over one hundred parents have shared their experiences and expressed their concerns through this survey. Survey results will be presented to describe the range of programs, participants, and concerns related to rights violations, misuse of seclusion and restraint, inhumane treatment, and distress and suffering.
A Pilot Study of State Regulations Pertaining to Youth Residential Treatment Programs
Presenting: Allison Pinto; Robert Friedman; Judith Katz-Levy; Allison Pinto
All Authors for this paper: Allison Pinto; Robert Friedman; Judith Katz-Levy; Allison Pinto
Presentation Type: element of symposium
Synopsis: A pilot study of four states was undertaken to identify issues related to state policies that protect or endanger children and families involved in residential treatment programs for youth. The study was conducted in Connecticut, Missouri, Utah, and California. Respondents were from the protection and advocacy agency, child welfare, education, juvenile justice and mental health. Findings are presented regarding: 1) the degree to which respondents were knowledgeable of relevant state regulations and the monitoring process; and 2) the extent to which there were laws, regulations and policies in place to protect youth in residential treatment programs.
Identifying and Responding to Concerns Regarding Abuse and Mistreatment in Residential "Treatment" Programs
Presenting: Bill Boyles; Judith Katz-Levy; Bill Boyles
All Authors for this paper: Bill Boyles; Judith Katz-Levy; Bill Boyles
Presentation Type: element of symposium
Synopsis: Numerous concerns have been reported by youth, parents, former program staff and investigative reporters regarding the treatment of youth in unregulated residential programs, including the following: 1) Basic human rights violations including youth deaths, degrading discipline, inappropriate seclusion and restraint, medical and nutritional neglect, and severe restrictions of communication and visitation; 2) Substandard psychotherapeutic interventions and education by unqualified staff; 3)Financial opportunism by program operators; and 4) Financial incentives to? educational consultants_
