Paris Hilton has joined California state lawmakers to advocate for legislation that would require more transparency from youth treatment facilities that care for troubled teens. The bill, supported by Hilton, aims to open up information on how these facilities use disciplinary methods such as restraints or seclusion against minors. It would require centers to notify parents and the state whenever these methods are used. Hilton, who has spoken out about the abuse she suffered at a boarding school in Utah, is a prominent advocate for increased regulation of teen treatment centers.
Hilton shared her personal experience of abuse disguised as therapy at troubled teen facilities in California, Utah, and Montana. She spoke at a news conference at the state Capitol, emphasizing that she will continue to fight until every child is safe. Hilton’s advocacy efforts have already resulted in stricter oversight of youth treatment centers in Utah after her testimony about her experience at Provo Canyon School. She has also traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for federal reforms and has helped change laws in at least eight states to protect minors.
The bill in California would require facilities to report details of disciplinary actions taken, why they were taken, and who approved the plan. The state department regulating these facilities would be required to make these reports public and update the database regularly. While the bill does not ban the use of disciplinary practices, it aims to increase transparency and accountability in the care of vulnerable populations. Between 2015 and 2020, more than 1,240 children with behavior problems were sent to out-of-state facilities, leading to reports of abuse and significant licensing violations.
As reports of abuse and licensing violations emerged, California decided to do away with out-of-state residential centers in 2020 and passed legislation in 2021 to formally ban their use. Minors with behavioral issues are now sent to in-state short-term residential centers, but current laws do not require these facilities to share information on the use of disciplinary methods or the harm they cause. The bill aims to address this gap and ensure that these facilities are held accountable for their actions. The author of the bill stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in caring for vulnerable populations. Hilton is scheduled to testify in a legislative hearing on the bill later Monday, continuing her advocacy efforts.
