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Study and Prevent Child Abuse in Youth Residential Programs.

This law mandates a comprehensive, decade-long study into the prevalence of abuse, neglect, and deaths occurring in youth residential programs (such as therapeutic boarding schools and boot camps). The goal is to generate public recommendations to enhance oversight, eliminate harmful practices like restraints and seclusion, and promote safer, community-based alternatives for vulnerable youth. This ensures greater transparency and accountability regarding the safety standards in these facilities.
Key points
Requires a 10-year study cycle by the National Academies focusing on the scope and causes of child abuse in residential facilities, with the initial report due within 3 years.
Recommendations must address eliminating the use of physical restraint and seclusion, promoting trauma-informed care, and improving staff training.
The law aims to increase the availability and accessibility of community-based alternatives to institutional placement for at-risk youth.
article Official text account_balance Process page
VOTING RESULTS
2024-12-18
92%
For 373
Against 33
Abstain 0
Full voting results open_in_new
Became Law
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1351
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Process start date: 2023-04-27
Voting date: 2024-12-18
Meeting no: 2
Voting no: 512
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_1351.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-04-27.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Requires a 10-year study cycle by the National Academies focusing on the scope and causes of child abuse in residential facilities, with the initial report due within 3 years.
  • Recommendations must address eliminating the use of physical restraint and seclusion, promoting trauma-informed care, and improving staff training.
  • The law aims to increase the availability and accessibility of community-based alternatives to institutional placement for at-risk youth.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Became Law.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Where is the official voting record?

The official roll call vote is recorded at: voting record

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Became Public Law No: 118-194.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Family Health Education