June 20, 2024
When Placement Hurts:
How can the legal system address issues in the troubled teen industry and better protect vulnerable youth.
About SOGI: The American Bar Association’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Committee works to advance the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals within the legal profession and broader society. The committee focuses on education, advocacy, and policy reform to combat discrimination and promote equal treatment under the law. It provides resources, support, and networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ lawyers and allies, fostering a more inclusive and equitable legal community.
About the webinars: This 3-part ABA webinar series explores the history, policy solutions, and legal challenges and presents practical solutions for effective change. Resolution 605 was adopted by the American Bar Association in 2023 because of decades of well-documented abuse within the Troubled Teen Industry and youth residential treatment centers. Despite this awareness, little has been done to protect children in institutional settings.
About the troubled teen industry: The “troubled teen industry” is a term loosely applied to privately owned youth residential treatment centers located throughout the United States and abroad. This term may refer to group homes, therapeutic boarding schools, short term residential treatment centers and many other confusing terms. The facilities are inconsistently regulated, and may simultaneously house children placed by juvenile justice, child welfare, school districts, Medicaid and private insurance.
Basic Facts and Information: Authorities have known of the abuses for decades, with the Senate conducting investigations into youth treatment facilities as far back as 1974. Additional investigations from the Government Accountability Office followed in 2007, 2008, and 2022. Despite this awareness, little has been done to eliminate documented abuses including death, sexual assault, and human rights violations.
Magnitude of the Issue: It is difficult to quantify the problem, though research indicates that between 120-200,000 children are impacted each year and over $23 billion in public money is used to fund placements in teen treatment centers, with fees as high as $800 per day. There is little consistent oversight between states and youth are often sent to out-of-state facilities.
Speakers:
Annette Smith, Esq.
Co-sponsors:
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.