CFS's Dr. Allison Pinto Provides Testimony at Congressional Hearing on Abuse and Neglect of Youth in Private Residential Facilities
Dr. Allison Pinto, Clinical Psychologist & Assistant Research Professor
Dr. Allison Pinto was invited to testify before the Committee on Education and Labor, U.S. House of Representatives, in an October 10 hearing on "Cases of Child Neglect and Abuse at Private Residential Treatment Facilities." At this hearing, the Government Accountability Office presented the findings of their study titled, "Residential Treatment Programs: Concerns Regarding Abuse and Death in Certain Programs for Troubled Youth." Also, three parents whose children died in residential facilities testified regarding their children's and families' experiences of suffering and loss.
The president of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, a trade organization for programs that provide residential alternatives to traditional, intensive mental health care, presented testimony in defense of this organization's efforts, which were then called into question by members of the Committee. Pinto shared a summary of the findings of an online survey of former program participants which reveal widespread patterns of mistreatment, neglect and abuse in alternative residential facilities. She testified to the credibility of these reports, and noted that they are consistent with the accounts she receives weekly by email and telephone from youth and family members who contact her seeking information and support from A START: Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic and Appropriate use of Residential Treatment.
Click here to view Pinto's testimony.