Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1351, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act. This legislation, sponsored by Representatives Khanna and Carter in the House, would direct the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on youth residential treatment programs. These programs offer a variety of services to adolescents, teens, and young adults with emotional, mental health, or substance use disorder needs. Residential treatment can play a pivotal role in helping young people navigate serious behavioral and emotional challenges, but too often these programs only harm these children, subjecting them to abuse and neglect. Young people deserve to be safe and properly cared for and to receive treatment in the least restrictive environment that meets their needs. Youth residential treatment programs need proper oversight to ensure that young people are protected against abuse and neglect. This legislation would provide greater transparency around the prevalence of abuse in youth residential treatment programs, as well as recommendations to improve the implementation of best practices regarding the health and the safety of young people in these systems. In carrying out the study, this legislation would require the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to consult with a wide range of stakeholders.…”