A bill championed by Paris Hilton that would require state oversight and more transparency at residential treatment centers for youth became law Friday.
SB 1043, authored by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), requires the California Department of Social Services to publish incidents in which staff used restraints or isolated patients on their website. In addition, the child’s parents, foster parents, guardians, or tribal representatives should be notified when staff members use these methods.
“This bill will provide much-needed oversight, and I am proud to have worked with Senator Shannon Grove and the Legislature to make this change a reality,” Hilton said.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, treatment centers offer a variety of services for both adult and youth patients to recover from illnesses such as mental health issues and substance abuse.
Legislation passed in 2021 banned the practice of sending foster children and teens accused of crimes to treatment programs in other states and created a similar short-term program in California.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office described Hilton as a “passionate advocate” for patients after she underwent traumatic treatment at similar facilities in another state.
“Children and teens – especially those in the care of the foster system – should never be subjected to inappropriate use of restraints or isolation when they are intended to receive treatment,” Newsom said.
“This legislation underscores California’s commitment to transparency and protecting the well-being of our at-risk children,” Grove said. “It was a privilege to work with one of the most incredible advocates, Paris Hilton, to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children in California.”
