T E E N  A D V O C A T E S  U S A

Teen Advocates USA is a children's rights educational and public advocacy website dedicated to improving the status and well-being of America's youth through judicial, legislative and social policy reforms.  Teen Advocates USA does not offer, nor provide upon request, advice or assistance in the placement of youth into specialty schools and programs. 

Teen Advocates USA also does not offer advice or assistance relative to the referral of youth into specialty schools or programs by self-described "parent resource experts" or "educational consultants" who like the troubled teen industry at large are NOT REGULATED and rife with allegations of deceptive advertising and unethical business practices. (1)

If you are a parent considering placing your child into a private residential specialty school or program please be aware that research and studies clearly show community-based treatment and support to be effective and indicated for most youth and families, even those with serious problems who need and/or require intensive support. (2)

For further information about community-based resources and services for youth and families, including multisystemic family therapy an evidence-based approach supported by the "most highly respected scholars, advocacy organizations, and research organizations in the nation" (3) parents should consult with their family physician and/or an adolescent behavioral healthcare professional who can provide them with a list of licensed providers in their own community.

Recently the House Education and Labor Committee conducted a hearing pursuant to cases of abuse, neglect, fraud and fatalities in private residential treatment facilities and programs.  Full coverage of this very important  hearing and the preliminary findings of the GAO's investigation of the private teen treatment industry can be found on the Teen Advocates USA website. (4)


BARBE STAMPS
Teen Advocates USA
Member of The Referral-Free Zone

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(1)  Press Release 10-16-07 :  Representative George Miller (D-CA) Asks FTC to Investigate Deceptive Marketing Practices by Residential Treatment Programs for Children http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/edlabor_dem/rel101607.html

(2)  "Warnings for Parents Considering a Residential Placement for Their Child:  http://astart.fmhi.usf.edu/AStartDocs/factsheet.pdf

(3)  Multisystemic Therapy - MST Resources and Online Directory http://www.mstservices.com

(4)  Congressional Hearing and GAO Report on Cases of Abuse and Neglect in Residential Treatment Facilities.  Includes video and links to current and archived news reports. http://teenadvocatesusa.org/10-10-07CongressionalHearing.html







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CASH FOR KIDS

Guidelines for parents on how to protect themselves against
unscrupulous entreprenuers offering "free" consultations and other
resources under the guise of helping struggling teens