1. United States
2. Letter

The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act aims to study and prevent child abuse in youth residential programs. It establishes a Federal Work Group tasked with improving coordination on best practices for the health, safety, and appropriate placement of youth in such programs. The Work Group will develop recommendations for a national database tracking key metrics like length of stay and use of restraints. It will also support training resources on topics like positive behavioral interventions, trauma-informed care, and crisis de-escalation. The bill further calls for a study by the National Academies to examine funding sources, data collection, regulation, standards of care, and barriers to community-based services for youth in residential programs. Recommendations will address federal and state oversight, as well as coordination of data across agencies. This comprehensive effort recognizes the vulnerability of youth, particularly those with disabilities or disorders, in residential settings. By enhancing transparency, standards, and community alternatives, the Act strives to protect children's wellbeing and rights. Given the sobering history of abuse and your commitment to child welfare, I urge you to co-sponsor and advance this important legislation.