The purpose of this paper is to present the reader with an indepth study of the special plight of children currently confined in our nation's residential treatment centers. Several of the fundamental legal issues involved in the coercive commitment of minors to such institutions will be discussed, especially those concerning due process and informed consent. The article will also discuss the parallels between the goals, philosophy and techniques of the classical care. Special attention will be given to the three major components of the process of brainwashing as they apply to this particular therapeutic setting, namely, (1) emotional arousal, (2) milieu control, and (3) the confession. In addition, specific recommendations for the greatly needed renovation of the residential treatment process will be set forth. (Author)