Sacramento Standard

Senator Shannon Grove and Paris Hilton have introduced a bipartisan measure, SB 1043, aimed at increasing transparency in youth facilities licensed by the California Department of Social Services. The Accountability in Children’s Treatment (ACT) measure will require information on the use of restraints and seclusion rooms to be accessible to the public.

Paris Hilton, a survivor of the 'Troubled Teen Industry,' expressed her pride in partnering with Senator Shannon Grove on this important initiative. She stated, “I look forward to collaborating with all members of the California legislature on this important bill in our shared pursuit for protection of our state’s most vulnerable youth.”

Senator Shannon Grove emphasized the importance of the children’s protection measure, stating, “When it comes to our children’s health and wellness we should only accept the highest level of transparency in these areas of care.”

The measure is a response to past incidents where vulnerable children were abused in out-of-state facilities. In an effort to address these abuses, AB 808 was introduced to eliminate the placement of foster youth in out-of-state treatment facilities. Governor Newsom allocated $8 million to bring home youth from these facilities and enhance support services.

SB 1043 will require Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs) to report key data on the use of seclusion rooms, restraints, and incidents resulting in serious injuries or deaths, which will be displayed on a public dashboard on the California Department of Social Services website.