BY Mikayla Shave
Celebratie, known for her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, spent the week on Capitol Hill urging the GOP-led House to pass the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act. This pivotal legislation, for which she has passionately lobbied over the past three years, cleared the Senate unanimously on December 11. In an emotional interview, she shared with Fox News Digital that she was “in tears” upon the bill’s passage in the Senate, calling it a “monumental moment” for herself and the domestic violence advocacy community.
A Bipartisan Effort to Protect Vulnerable Youth
The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act represents a rare bipartisan achievement, fostering collaboration between Democrats and Republicans to reform residential youth facilities. The bill aims to address the lack of oversight and transparency that has allowed abuse to persist in these programs for far too long. While progress has been made, the bill’s enactment is under a tight deadline. If it isn’t passed before the new Congress convenes in January, it will need to restart the legislative process.
Her Personal Connection to the Cause
Her dedication to this cause stems from her harrowing personal experiences. At 16, she was the victim of a “parent-approved kidnapping,” dragged from her home by two men and placed in a congregate-care facility. These experiences, which she described as emotionally scarring, have fueled her mission to prevent other youths from enduring similar trauma. In 2022, She testified before the House Ways and Means Committee, detailing the long-lasting impact of these facilities on her mental health.
Lobbying for Change: A Painful Yet Cathartic Journey
Since October 2021, She has consistently traveled to Washington, D.C., every six to ten months to advocate for reform. Her meetings with key figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Chuck Grassley, highlight her relentless commitment. Despite the challenges and emotional toll of lobbying, she finds the process cathartic and necessary to effect meaningful change.
The Urgent Need for Reform
According to StopInstitutionalChildAbuse.com, between 120,000 and 200,000 of America’s most vulnerable youth are funneled into residential treatment programs annually. These programs receive an estimated $23 billion in public funds, yet systemic reports of abuse persist. The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act aims to:
- Ensure transparency in youth residential programs.
- Implement strict oversight to prevent abuse.
- Hold facilities accountable for safeguarding the well-being of children.
she emphasizes that these reforms are long overdue, stating, “A lack of oversight and transparency in residential youth programs has allowed for the abuse of children across the country for far too long.”
How You Can Help
You can join the fight by:
- Raising Awareness: Share information about the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act and its importance.
- Advocating for Change: Contact your local representatives to express support for the bill.
- Supporting Survivors: Promote resources that provide aid to individuals who have experienced abuse in youth residential facilities.
For more information, visit StopInstitutionalChildAbuse.com.
Conclusion
Celebratie’s advocacy shines a spotlight on the urgent need for reform in youth residential treatment programs. The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act offers hope for transformative change, ensuring that vulnerable children receive care in safe, transparent, and accountable environments. By supporting this legislation, we can take a critical step toward ending systemic abuse and safeguarding the future of at-risk youth.
#ChildAbuseReform #StopInstitutionalChildAbuse #AdvocacyMatters #YouthProtection #EndAbuse
