Government News
Bills Target Abuses In Residential Facilities
Aaron Levin

A partially hidden industry offering a controversial approach to teens
with psychological or behavioral problems needs better oversight.

Residential treatment programs for young people with behavioral or
emotional problems need increased state and federal oversight to
eliminate abusive and unproven treatment practices, said mental health
advocates at a meeting last month at the U.S. Capitol.

While many beneficial programs exist, many others are not accredited or
licensed, according to psychologist Robert Friedman, Ph.D., a professor
of child and family studies at the University of South Florida in
Tampa. "Some of these programs are exploiting the desperation of
parents and mistreating the youth they serve."

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20&RESULTFORMAT=&searchid=1132452289673_7522&stored_search=&FIRSTINDEX=0&tocsect
ionid=Government*&displaysectionid=Government&journalcode=psychnews