Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) has announced that her bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 1043, known as the Accountability in Children’s Treatment (ACT) measure, has successfully passed through the California State Legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. The bill is sponsored by celebrity advocate Paris Hilton and her nonprofit organization, 11:11 Media Impact.
California’s short-term residential therapeutic programs (STRTPs) serve children and young adults requiring increased levels of care. These facilities have the authority to use restraints and seclusion rooms if a patient is deemed a danger to themselves or others. Currently, these facilities must report all uses of restraint and seclusion to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), which is then required to make this information publicly available online. However, this data has not yet been posted online.
SB 1043 aims to mandate CDSS to publicly post all critical data, including each incident report involving restraints and seclusion rooms.
“My bill, Accountability in Children’s Treatment Act, just passed through the Legislature and is headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature,” said Senator Shannon Grove. “The act will promote the highest level of transparency when it comes to using restraints or seclusion rooms on youth in short-term residential therapeutic programs. It has been an honor to work alongside Paris Hilton and 11:11 Media to ensure California’s children are safe and secure in treatment programs.”
“I am so proud to see SB1043 pass through the California legislature and grateful to all the Senators and Assemblymembers who voted on this bill to protect our youth!” said celebrity advocate Paris Hilton. “For too long, these facilities have operated without adequate oversight, leaving vulnerable youth at risk. I urge Governor Newsom to sign SB1043 into law, affirming California’s commitment to protecting our youth and setting a national standard for transparency and accountability in these institutions. This bill is a vital step towards ensuring that every child is treated with the care and respect they deserve.”
Governor Newsom has until September 30th to sign The Accountability in Children’s Treatment Act into law.
