A START, the Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic, and Appropriate Use of Residential Treatment, is an organization of mental health professionals, parents, advocates, and young adults who came together in 2005 amidst growing concern about mistreatment of youth in residential programs.

A START seeks to increase awareness of this problem, promote protections for children and families, and provide information about residential programs and community-based alternatives so that parents and youth can make the best choices. As part of this mission, A START strives to gather data on practices within residential care, the marketing of residential programs, and the impact of these programs on young people.

The ASTART website is no longer being maintained by the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute and the Department of Child & Family Studies. Please visit the current ASTART website at http://astartforteens.org.

Special Presentation

• Presentation to “Abuse of Youth in Residential Treatment: A Call to Action,” by Robert Friedman, February 19. 2009.

Letters to Congress

• Government Accountability Office 10/10/07
• Mental Health Professionals
• Family Members
• Youth
• Letter to Representative Miller, Chariman, House Committee on Education and Labor

Government Resources of Interest

• Government Accountability Office Report 10/07
• Government Accountability Office Report 05/07
• FTC Facts to Consider 07/08