November 07, 2023
Attorney Amanda Simmons of Ambika Law, PC presents a training session for CASA of Lane County
Amanda Simmons, lead attorney and founder of Ambika Law, in collaboration with Oregon public defender Annette Smith and Atlanta-based investigative reporter Chelsea Maldonado, hosted an interactive virtual training session for CASA of Lane County volunteers.
The virtual training session, Protecting Children From The Troubled Teen Industry: A Training for Child Advocates, provided CASA of Lane County volunteers with a robust overview of the “troubled teen industry” and its intersection with Oregon’s child welfare system. Attendees left equipped with a better understanding of the harms associated with “troubled teen industry” placements, specific actions they could take to reduce placements into these facilities, and new tools and techniques for identifying victims of institutional child abuse and neglect in these settings.
CASA of Lane County describes its organization as, “a dedicated community of passionate individuals, including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers, tirelessly advocating for children in foster care due to abuse and neglect.” Its volunteers, through their direct advocacy work on behalf of foster youth, are in a uniquely powerful position to prevent Oregon foster youth from entering the “troubled teen industry.” Through regular interactions with youth already placed into these facilities, CASA of Lane County volunteers are also well positioned to identify and act if institutional child abuse and neglect occurs.
As one of the only lawyers to publicly identify as both a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and institutional child abuse in the “troubled teen industry,” Amanda has a unique understanding of the potential harms foster youth can face once placed into youth residential programs. By directly educating individuals on the frontlines of the child welfare system, including CASA of Lane County volunteers, Amanda is able to draw upon her lived experience and legal expertise to protect vulnerable foster youth from experiencing institutional child abuse and neglect, including harmful physical restraints, solitary confinement, invasive strip searches, forced labor, and sexual abuse.
Amanda Simmons is a California and Utah based attorney focusing on children’s rights, juvenile mental health, educational law, disability rights, special needs estate planning, school injury and conservatorships.
View the training presentation slide deck here.
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.