The severity of the abuse and neglect reported at some of these private programs is horrifying. No child, regardless of how troubled, should ever be subjected to physical violence at the hands of their caregiver. The type of ‘tough love’ practiced in some of these facilities can result in serious abuse and even death. In 2005, a 14-year-old boy from Florida was beaten and kicked to death a mere three hours after his admission to a boot camp program, by the very people entrusted with his care. These alarming incidences of abuse must end. I am proud that this Congress has taken action to establish new national safety standards and guidelines for private therapy facilities, to reduce these incidents.

(Note: Rothman was a major proponent of H.R. 5876, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act.)

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 at 11:00 am and is filed under Politics .