National Association Of Therapeutic Schools and Programs

NATSAP Says Incident Underscores Need
For State Licensure And Oversight

The National Association Of Therapeutic Schools and Programs ("NATSAP") members across the United States are saddened by the shocking instance of abuse reported in today's ABC News story entitled "Boot Camp Pastor Charged in Girl's Dragging."

The National Association Of Therapeutic Schools and Programs ("NATSAP") members across the United States are saddened by the shocking instance of abuse reported in the ABC News story entitled "Boot Camp Pastor Charged in Girl's Dragging" (available at http://abcnews.go.com). Jan Moss, Executive Director of NATSAP says this report again points out the need for state licensure and oversight of the programs and schools that serve our struggling young people.

"Our association and its members are supportive of all efforts to eliminate every so-called boot camp or other 'tough love' program that does not use a therapeutic milieu in working with adolescents," Moss says. "We continue to work with state and federal lawmakers and agencies to encourage, establish and strengthen state laws and regulations to protect children in need of out-of-home placement."

The NATSAP board of directors urges all parents and guardians who are seeking specialized help for their child to visit the organization's website, www.natsap.org, for important information regarding the selection of a program or school. NATSAP members ascribe to high ethical standards and principles of good practice, in addition to their licensure and accreditation requirements.

NATSAP extends its sincere sympathies to this young woman and any child or family who have experienced abuse or neglect in a facility reportedly designed to heal.

About NATSAP
NATSAP was created in January 1999 to serve as a national resource for programs and professionals who assist young people beleaguered by emotional and behavioral difficulties. NATSAP is not an accrediting or licensing body. We are a volunteer membership organization supporting professionals and programs in their efforts to help troubled young people.

For more information about NATSAP and our member organizations, visit the NATSAP website at www.natsap.org or call our Director of Public Affairs at (770) 435-8464.