Paris Hilton-backed bill aimed at stopping abuse at child treatment facilities heads to Biden’s desk

A groundbreaking bill championed by Paris Hilton, the renowned celebrity and entrepreneur, has been approved by Congress and is now on its way to President Biden’s desk for final approval. The “Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act,” which was unanimously passed by the Senate last week and received overwhelming support in the House on Wednesday, aims to introduce stricter oversight measures for youth residential treatment facilities.

Hilton, who has been a vocal advocate for this legislation following her own traumatic experience of being sexually abused at a Utah boarding school when she was just 17, has worked tirelessly to push for these crucial reforms. The bipartisan bill was co-sponsored by 23 lawmakers, including Senators John Cornyn, Tommy Tuberville, Chris Murphy, Jeff Merkley, and Representative Ro Khanna.

Once enacted, the act mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services collaborate with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study on the state of youth in residential programs. This study will analyze the prevalence and severity of child abuse, neglect, and deaths within these facilities, as well as identify funding sources at the state and federal levels.

The legislation also requires regular reporting on the training of staff working with institutionalized youth and recommendations on implementing positive behavioral interventions. The National Academies will be required to submit a report every three years, with subsequent reports every two years for a decade, outlining the progress and challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.

In a social media post celebrating the bill’s passage, Hilton expressed her gratitude to fellow survivors, supportive families, and courageous legislators who helped make this legislation a reality. She emphasized the importance of speaking out against abuse and vowed to continue fighting for those still trapped in harmful systems.

Hilton’s advocacy has not been limited to the federal level, as she has also influenced similar protective measures for institutionalized minors in eight states. Her relentless efforts to bring about positive change in child welfare have been widely praised and recognized, demonstrating the impact that dedicated individuals can have on shaping policies that protect the most vulnerable members of society.

As the “Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act” awaits the President’s signature, it stands as a testament to Hilton’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no child suffers in silence and that systemic reforms are put in place to safeguard the well-being of all young individuals.