The use of Residential Treatment Centers for troubled children has existed since state governments assumed the duty of caring for children who misbehave, are neglected, or have educational or mental health deficits.  Despite their benevolent purposes, the centers are often overcrowded and understaffed.  Moreover, children placed in them are often subjected to physical and sexual abuse, misdiagnosis, and unwarranted drug interventions.   Finally, the efficacy of these treatment centers has been challenged by several recent studies. 

On July 13, the Georgetown Juvenile Justice Clinic, in cooperation with the D.C. Public Defender Service, University Legal Services, the Children's Law Center, the Washington College of Law Clinic at American University, the David A Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia, and the CCAN Office of Superior Court sponsored a conference to share cross disciplinary strategies and resources concerning advocacy relating to the overuse of residential placements.

The symposium featured panels that examined the new research concerning treatment modalities, factors that lead to the overuse of such placements, and how youth advocates can prevent unnecessary institutionalization while obtaining better services in the community. 

To view this event, please click here.

To view additional information concerning this issues, please see the following websites:

Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth    

Community Partners Inc.

University Legal Services 

Handouts:  http://www.pdsdc.org/resources/JuvenilePanel/Keeping-Children-in-the-Community.pdf

 

 

Revised July 25, 2010 (MA)