Re: U.S. House of Representative’s Approval of Legislation to Stop Child Abuse in Teen Residential Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 30, 2008 – Bipartisanship in the U.S. House of Representatives recorded a victory for our nation’s children, when members of Congress approved the “Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008.”  The recent passage of H.R. 6358 brings us a step closer to ensuring vulnerable and at-risk children are protected from physical, mental and sexual abuse while in residential care.  It is important now for the Senate to act in the short time left in this Congress. This legislation would also help ensure parents have the information they need and empower governments to establish the necessary oversight mechanisms to keep children safe.  The American Bar Association cares deeply about protecting vulnerable populations, particularly at-risk children who need appropriate treatment and services.  Ensuring equal access to justice and the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled are fundamental cornerstones of the ABA’s mission and our legal system.  In approving this legislation, the House has risen to the challenge of ensuring that children’s human rights are protected no matter the setting.