Sacramento Standard

Senator Shannon Grove's bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 1043, known as the Accountability in Children’s Treatment (ACT) measure, successfully passed out of the Senate Human Services Committee. The bill aims to enhance transparency in the care of children and young adults living in facilities licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

Celebrity advocate Paris Hilton, who supports the measure through her nonprofit organization 11:11 Media Impact, joined Senator Grove in Sacramento for the bill presentation. Hilton, a survivor of the 'Troubled Teen Industry,' expressed her support, stating, “I’ve made it my mission to share my life experiences in hopes of bringing change to this industry and this measure will ensure that no child experience trauma in the name of treatment.”

Senator Grove expressed her gratitude for the unanimous support from the Senate Human Services Committee, emphasizing her dedication to protecting children and survivors. She highlighted the importance of accountability in children's treatment, stating, “California has already been on the forefront of this issue, and this measure will guarantee the highest level of transparency when it comes to our children’s wellbeing.”

SB 1043 will introduce greater transparency for Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs) by requiring the reporting of key data, such as the use of seclusion rooms, restraints, and incidents resulting in serious injuries or deaths, on a public dashboard on the CDSS website.

The background of out-of-state facilities and the necessity of SB 1043 were also highlighted. Previously, California sent children to out-of-state facilities for urgent treatment, leading to reports of abuse. In response, legislation was passed to eliminate the placement of foster youth in out-of-state facilities and prioritize their care within the state.

Senator Shannon Grove's commitment to children's protection and the bipartisan support for the Accountability in Children’s Treatment measure demonstrate a significant step towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable youth in California.