Exploring BOTH Sides of Federal Proposal to Regulate Therapeutic Schools and Programs
by Mark H. Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA
For several years there has been talk about governmental regulation of therapeutic schools and programs. During this time several states have created licensing procedures, often with the active participation of program leaders. The most controversial efforts have involved those by Representative George Miller (CA) who chairs the House Committee on Education and Labor. He has proposed legislation that regulates such programs by federal statute. Among those who have lobbied for very strict federal guidelines are CAFETY (Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth). While many therapeutic programs have endorsed the concept of regulation, most have voiced a concern that the specifics in the proposed legislation could destroy the existence of such programs and have argued for guidelines that they feel would improve the quality of care without decimating the field. The National Association for Therapeutic Schools and Programs has been in the forefront of this effort.
For the very first time at an IECA conference, we have scheduled a General Session topic that will bring in speakers with diverse opinions, explaining their point of view and answering questions from the audience. This promises to be a dynamic and informative session, open to all conference attendees starting at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2009 at the IECA Fall Conference in Charlotte. I will call on my skills as a former political science teacher in moderating a session that we expect will better illuminate all points of view than in creating tension.
The presenters for this general session are expected to include:
Dr. Jared Balmer, Executive Director, Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment
Grace Cole, Member, CAFETY
Dr. Robert Friedman, Professor, Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida
Brian Lombrowski, President, CAFETY
Chris Noroski, Vice President, CAFETY
Dr. John Santa, Clinical Director and Founder, Montana Academy
Lon Woodbury, Founder, Woodbury Reports; Educational Consultant, IECA
Hopefully we will all leave the session with a better understanding of this complicated issue and an appreciation for the diversity of viewpoints.
Related posts:
- Federal Regulation of Therapeutic Programs? Both Sides Explored at Extraordinary IECA Session
- For Therapeutic Consultants, Schools, and Programs: an Amazing IECA Conference is Planned
- Legislative Update: Therapeutic Programs & Miller Bill
- Nearly 100 Presenters will Examine Hot Topics in College Admission, Boarding Schools, Special Purpose Programs & Independent Educational Consulting
- Transitioning Adopted Students to Boarding Schools, Colleges & Programs
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This looks very interesting. Unfortunately I will not likely be able to attend. Is there a way to obtain a recording of this after the fact? Live Streaming? Skype?
Tom Croke
Tom, we certainly hope to find some way of reporting back to everyone what was said during the session. I appreciate your interest.
Its should be noted that Dr. Robert Friedmans association is with ASTART, 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.
The HR911 bill, as was described by the author as being “very strict”, falls desperately short of proper accountability in this industry. It is my sincere hope that it does not pass in its present form. I find it very disheartening that CAFETY has promoted a compromised bill which falls significantly short of standards that would be required to hold these programs accountable.