Hilton, alongside other advocates, successfully influenced the California Legislature to enact a new law aimed at increasing transparency regarding the use of restraints and seclusion rooms in state-licensed residential treatment centers for children and youth up to age 21. This legislation will take effect on January 1 and requires comprehensive reporting procedures following any incidents where restraints or seclusion are used.
Under the new law, facilities must produce a detailed report for both the youth involved and their parents or guardians following any incident that involves restraints or seclusion. This report must include a description of the incident, the staff members involved, the justification for the actions taken, the duration of the incident, and additional relevant information. Facilities are also required to submit these reports to the California Department of Social Services within a week of the incident, ensuring that the department can review and investigate any potential health and safety violations.
A key aspect of the law is the provision that mandates the Department of Social Services to eventually publish data related to these incidents on its website starting January 1, 2026. This initiative aims to provide parents and guardians with essential information when considering treatment options for their children, allowing them to assess the potential risks associated with these facilities.
Paris Hilton emerged as one of the notable supporters of this bipartisan legislation, sharing her experiences of abuse during her time in various youth treatment centers. She expressed her gratitude for the law’s passage, emphasizing the need for accountability and oversight to protect vulnerable youth from potential mistreatment.
This development follows California’s previous legislative actions aimed at protecting troubled youth, such as prohibiting the transfer of these individuals to out-of-state, for-profit facilities known for reported abuse, and funding crisis residential treatment options for children on Medi-Cal.
Overall, this new law signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of children in treatment facilities by ensuring greater accountability and transparency. The advocacy of individuals like Hilton has played a crucial role in driving change, highlighting the importance of voices that stand against systemic issues in treatment practices.
Summary: California has passed a new law requiring residential treatment centers for youth to provide detailed reporting on the use of restraints and seclusion. Following the advocacy of figures like Paris Hilton, the legislation aims to ensure transparency and accountability, with reports to be shared with families and the state. The law represents a significant step towards protecting vulnerable youth and improving oversight in treatment facilities.