August 21, 2023

Amanda Simmons Authors Article on Resolution 605 and Institutional Child Abuse for the American Bar Association Children’s Rights Litigation Committee

Amanda Simmons, founder of Ambika Law, PC, recently authored an article for the American Bar Association (ABA) entitled “Resolution 605, the Troubled Teen Industry, and Institutional Child Abuse.” Published on August 21, 2023, this article highlights critical issues within the troubled teen industry and advocates for essential legislative reforms to protect vulnerable children from institutional abuse.

About the Article

In her article, Amanda Simmons delves into the specifics of ABA’s Resolution 605, which supports the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA) and similar legislative measures aimed at preventing child abuse in youth residential facilities. Resolution 605 calls for stringent regulations against abusive practices in these institutions, enhanced coordination among federal agencies, and comprehensive data collection to bolster regulatory efforts. Amanda was part of a team of lawyers and advocates who helped draft and advocate for Resolution 605 at the 2023 ABA Annual Meeting.

Amanda Simmons: A Dedicated Advocate

Amanda Simmons’ expertise and dedication to children’s rights are evident in her role as a California education lawyer and founder of Ambika Law, PC. Her firm provides comprehensive legal services for families with special needs children, focusing on educational law, children’s rights, and institutional child abuse. Ambika Law is guided by core values of trauma-informed, compassionate, responsive, and resourceful lawyering, creating a supportive and proactive legal environment for clients.


About the ABA Children’s Rights Litigation Committee

The Children’s Rights Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association focuses on improving legal representation and advocacy for children. Led by Cathy Krebs, the committee offers resources, training, and support to attorneys working on children’s rights issues. The committee aims to advance justice for children through education, collaboration, and policy reform, ensuring that their legal needs are met and their rights protected. For more information, visit the ABA website.


Professional Background and Leadership

Amanda Simmons is a lived experience advocate, bringing personal insights and empathy to her practice. She is also a 2024-2025 American Bar Association Fellow, concentrating on institutional child abuse. Amanda has presented at numerous prestigious conferences, including the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the National Association of Women Judges, and the National Association of Counsel for Children. She frequently publishes on legal topics related to the troubled teen industry, contributing valuable knowledge and advocacy to the field.


About Institutional Child Abuse

Institutional child abuse within the troubled teen industry raises significant legal issues due to inadequate regulation and oversight of residential treatment centers. These facilities often operate with minimal state and federal scrutiny, allowing abusive practices like physical restraints and isolation to go unchecked. Legal challenges include enforcing existing protections, establishing stricter regulatory frameworks, and ensuring accountability for abuse


About Ambika Law

At Ambika Law, PC, we deliver comprehensive legal services for families with special needs children, focusing on educational law, children’s rights and institutional child abuse. Guided by our core values of trauma-informed, compassionate, responsive, and resourceful lawyering, we create a supportive and proactive legal environment, ensuring our clients feel heard, understood, and effectively represented.

Key Aspects of Resolution 605

  1. Legislative Support: Resolution 605 emphasizes the necessity of legislative frameworks like SICAA to prevent institutional child abuse. It calls for robust policies to ensure that residential treatment facilities are held accountable for abusive practices.

  2. Regulatory Improvements: The resolution advocates for better regulations to prevent physical restraints, isolation, and other abusive practices that are prevalent in poorly regulated youth residential facilities.

  3. Focus on Vulnerable Populations: Resolution 605 highlights the disproportionate impact of institutional abuse on LGBTQ+, BIPOC children, and those with disabilities. It underscores the need for targeted protections to safeguard these particularly vulnerable groups.

  4. Data Collection and Coordination: Comprehensive data collection is crucial for improving oversight and regulatory frameworks. The resolution stresses the importance of gathering detailed information to understand the scope of the problem and to devise effective solutions.

  5. Education and Advocacy: The resolution calls for ongoing education within the legal community about the risks associated with residential treatment programs. It urges attorneys to support protective legislation and to advocate for the rights of children in these facilities.

Ambika Law is committed to inclusive representation by offering low bono, sliding scale, and contingency fee agreements. This approach ensures that we can represent your child regardless of your financial situation. We specialize in addressing educational needs, advocating for children’s rights within the school system, and ensuring they receive the appropriate support and education they deserve. Contact us today to see how we can help you navigate your child’s educational challenges and secure their right to a free and appropriate public education.