NEWS RELEASE

For Release: January 6, 2025

Contact: Maddy Schoap, 301-986-8770, maddy@natsap.org

Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act Signed by President Biden

Historic Legislation Becomes Law

Washington, D.C. — On December 24, 2024, President Joe Biden signed the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA) into law, marking a watershed moment in the effort to protect youth in residential treatment programs. The legislation, passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, ushers in critical reforms to ensure safety, accountability, and ethical standards in these programs.

“This is a landmark achievement for the residential treatment field and for every child and family it serves,” said John Singleton, NATSAP Board President. “This law is a reflection of years of advocacy and collaboration, and we are humbled to have contributed to this milestone. It sets a strong foundation for continued work to enhance the safety and care provided by programs nationwide.”

For nearly a decade, NATSAP has championed efforts to strengthen protections for children in residential care, advocating for reforms that prioritize accountability and ethical practices. SICAA has been a central focus of NATSAP’s Advocacy Day since its introduction, underscoring the organization’s commitment to driving positive change in the field.

With this legislation now enacted, NATSAP looks forward to supporting its implementation and continuing its work to ensure safe, effective, and ethical treatment environments for youth. This milestone reaffirms the importance of collaboration in creating a system that prioritizes the well-being of those it serves.

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About the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP)

Founded in January 1999, NATSAP, a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit membership organization, is a national resource for programs and professionals assisting young people with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Located throughout the U.S., NATSAP members include therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness therapy programs, young adult programs, and home-based residential programs. The Association is governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors comprised of representatives from its membership. NATSAP members are independently operated and owned; therefore, NATSAP does not provide placement services. All NATSAP member programs that treat children under 18 are overseen by state therapeutic licensure or accredited by major mental health bodies, and in some cases, both.