AP Photo/ Rich Pedronceli
Paris Hilton has teamed up with California lawmakers to advocate for a bill aimed at increasing transparency in youth treatment facilities. The legislation, supported by the heiress and media personality, seeks to address concerns regarding the care provided to troubled teens by requiring greater accountability from these facilities.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Republican State Senator Shannon Grove and Democratic State Senators Aisha Wahab and Angelique Ashby, aims to shed light on the disciplinary practices employed by short-term residential facilities catering to youths dealing with substance abuse and behavioral issues. It specifically focuses on measures such as the use of restraints or seclusion rooms, requiring these centers to notify parents and the state whenever such methods are utilized on minors.
During a legislative hearing on Monday, Paris Hilton shared her own distressing experiences as a teenager at a facility in Utah, emphasizing the lasting impact it has had on her life. Hilton urged lawmakers to take action to prevent other children from suffering similar mistreatment.
The bill passed the committee with bipartisan support, signaling a recognition of the need for greater oversight and accountability in youth treatment centers. Under the proposed legislation, these facilities would be required to report detailed information on disciplinary actions taken against minors, including the reasons for such actions and the individuals responsible for approving them. Additionally, the state department overseeing these facilities would be tasked with making these reports public and updating a database on a quarterly basis.
Despite the proposed legislation not outright banning the use of disciplinary practices, it represents a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the treatment of vulnerable youths. Paris Hilton, who has become a prominent advocate for reforming the youth treatment industry, sees the bill as a crucial tool for shedding light on the widespread issue of child abuse in residential treatment facilities.
Hilton's personal experiences and advocacy efforts have helped bring attention to the need for stricter oversight of youth treatment centers. Her testimony about her time at Utah's Provo Canyon School played a pivotal role in passing legislation to impose stricter regulations on such facilities in the state. Hilton has also been active in advocating for federal reforms and has supported legislative changes in multiple states to protect minors from abuse.
The proposed legislation in California is seen as a critical step towards addressing the systemic issues within the youth treatment industry. By requiring greater transparency and accountability, the bill aims to protect vulnerable minors from abuse and ensure that they receive the care and support they need to thrive. Hilton's involvement underscores the importance of raising awareness and advocating for meaningful change in how troubled youths are treated in residential facilities.
