A START News

The Committee on Education and Labor of the U.S. House of Representatives
conducted an investigative hearing on “Cases of Child
Neglect and Abuse at Private Residential Facilities.” >>> Read Summary 10/10/07

A START article published in American Journal of Orthospychiatry >>> See News

A START Resources

A START Factsheet with warnings to parents considering Residential Placement

Capitol Hill Press Briefing

 

 

 

An alarming residential care phenomenon that has been occurring since the early 1990s has been linked to reports of mistreatment, abuse, and death.

A START seeks to promote protections for children and families, and the availability of information about these programs so that parents can make the best choices with and for their children.

A START believes that residential programs serving children with special mental health challenges should be properly licensed and monitored by state government, and accredited by independent accrediting organizations.

A START seeks to promote access to community-based care so that children and families have meaningful, safe, and effective options available to them.

Letters to Congress
The Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic and Appropriate use of Residential Treatment (A START) is sponsored by the Department of Child and Family Studies of the University of South Florida. The Alliance now includes leaders in psychology, psychiatry, nursing, mental health law, policy and family advocacy, as well as individuals with direct program experience as director, evaluator, parent or participant in such programs.