S.B 127 imposes the first meaningful regulations on troubled teen industry programs in Utah in 15 years. This legislation requires programs to allow unannounced site visits, prohibits punitive punishment, requires programs allow contact between families, and takes steps towards eliminating chemical and mechanical restraints.

In addition to regulating the transport companies, Oregon became first state to regulate the Independent Education Consultants (IECs) that connect parents and kids to wilderness programs, residential treatment programs and therapeutic boarding schools.

California banned the practice of sending foster youth and teens charged with crimes to faraway residential treatment programs. The policy change commits $100 million over five years to create new programs closer to home for these children and teens.

Missouri passes a bill that would for the first time give the state oversight of unlicensed, faith-based boarding schools for children and teens.