Paris Hilton Teams Up with California Lawmakers to Push for Accountability in Troubled Teen Treatment Industry

Paris Hilton has teamed up with California state lawmakers to advocate for new legislation that aims to increase transparency and oversight in the troubled teen treatment industry. The bill, supported by the Hilton Hotel heiress, focuses on ensuring that youth treatment facilities are held accountable for their disciplinary methods and practices. The proposed legislation, introduced by Republican state Sen.

Shannon Grove and Democratic state Sens. Aisha Wahab and Angelique Ashby, would require short-term residential facilities for troubled teens to notify parents and the state whenever they use disciplinary measures such as restraints or seclusion rooms. This push for transparency comes after Hilton shared her own traumatic experience as a teenager at a facility in Utah, where she faced physical and mental abuse.

During a recent legislative hearing, Hilton testified in support of the bill, recounting the abuse she endured and emphasizing the need for change in the industry. She urged lawmakers to take action to prevent other children from suffering similar treatment. The bill, which received bipartisan support and passed a committee vote, would mandate that facilities report details of disciplinary actions taken, including the reasons behind them and who approved them.

The state department overseeing these facilities would also be required to make these reports public and update a database quarterly. While the legislation does not outright ban the use of disciplinary practices, it aims to provide greater transparency and accountability within the industry. Hilton has become a vocal advocate for reforming teen treatment centers following her own harrowing experience.

Her efforts have led to legislative changes in several states, including Utah, where stricter oversight was imposed on youth treatment centers. Hilton's company, 11:11 Media, is sponsoring the current bill in California, which she describes as a "game changer" that will bring much-needed attention to child abuse in residential treatment facilities. The legislation comes in the wake of reports of abuse and licensing violations at out-of-state facilities where California children with behavioral issues were previously sent due to a lack of in-state options.

Cases of serious harm, including deaths resulting from restraints, prompted California to end the out-of-state program in 2020 and focus on in-state residential centers. However, current laws do not require these facilities to disclose their use of seclusion and restraint methods, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, such as foster youths who have experienced exploitation. Sen.Grove emphasized the importance of increasing transparency and accountability to protect California's children, particularly those at residential treatment facilities. The proposed legislation aims to shed light on the industry's practices and prevent further instances of abuse or harm to minors. In conclusion, Paris Hilton's advocacy efforts alongside California lawmakers highlight the need for greater oversight and regulation in the troubled teen treatment industry.

By pushing for transparency and accountability, they hope to protect vulnerable youth and prevent future instances of abuse in residential facilities. The proposed legislation represents a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of children in California's care.