From 1997 to 2024, a span of 27 years, countless children have endured systemic abuse and neglect in youth residential treatment facilities (RTFs). This abuse has persisted despite repeated calls for oversight and accountability. The recent US Senate report, released on June 12, 2024, titled **"Wyden Investigation Exposes Systemic Taxpayer-Funded Child Abuse and Neglect in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities,"** exposes the extent of these abuses and highlights the urgent need for reform.

The investigation, which began in June 2022, revealed that children in these facilities were subjected to physical, sexual, and verbal abuse, inappropriate restraints and seclusions, unsafe and unsanitary conditions, and a lack of necessary behavioral health care. These facilities prioritized profit over the well-being of children, often paid for with taxpayer dollars, including Medicaid and child welfare funding.

The report calls for Congress, industry, federal government agencies, and states to raise standards for congregate care, strengthen oversight, and invest more in community-based alternatives. It is imperative that we take immediate action to protect vulnerable children and ensure that they receive the care and support they deserve.

By shining a light on these issues and advocating for change, we can drive meaningful reform and put an end to the systemic abuse that has persisted for far too long. Your support and dedication to this cause are crucial in making a difference and safeguarding the future of our children.