In a significant legislative move, the House has approved a bill aimed at enhancing oversight of youth residential treatment facilities. This advancement marks a notable success for Paris Hilton, a prominent advocate for reform in an industry plagued by allegations of child abuse.
The legislation, which garnered substantial bipartisan support, follows its unanimous passage in the Senate and now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become law. Hilton, known for her public advocacy against abuse in such facilities, has been actively lobbying for change for several years. She drew from her own harrowing experiences as a teenager at a Utah boarding school, where she claimed to have faced both mental and physical abuse.
Hilton’s advocacy received notable attention due to her detailed recounts of being subjected to harsh treatments, such as enforced medication and invasive monitoring at the Provo Canyon School. These unsettling experiences led her to suffer from long-term effects like nightmares and insomnia. In 2020, she shared her story through a documentary, further highlighting the need for reform in the youth treatment sector.
The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act is set to establish an interagency workgroup under the Department of Health & Human Services. This group aims to increase transparency and accountability across these facilities, focusing particularly on the disciplinary practices involving restraints and seclusion rooms. By addressing these practices, the legislation seeks to eliminate the abusive measures that have marred the reputations of numerous treatment centers.
Hilton’s persistent efforts have already led to significant legal reforms in several states, including California, where new regulations are soon to take effect. These changes, according to Hilton, represent a broader movement towards safeguarding minors within these institutions, ensuring they receive care without fear of mistreatment.
Expressing her sentiments on social media after the House vote, Hilton stated, ‘This moment is proof that our voices matter, that speaking out can spark change, and that no child should ever endure the horrors of abuse in silence.’ Her words encapsulate the emotional and personal drive behind the ongoing advocacy efforts.
The House’s approval of this bill represents a turning point in the regulation of youth residential treatment facilities, driven by the resilient efforts of advocates like Paris Hilton. As the legislation advances to the President’s desk, it holds the promise of fostering safer and more transparent environments for minors nationwide.
Source: News4jax
