California enacts law for youth treatment facility transparency
- The Accountability in Children's Treatment Act (SB 1043) was signed into law in California, enhancing oversight at youth treatment facilities.
- The law requires public disclosure of incidents involving restraints or isolation and mandates notification to guardians.
- This legislation reflects a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of at-risk children and preventing improper treatment.
On Friday, a new law was enacted in California aimed at enhancing oversight and transparency in youth residential treatment facilities. Authored by State Senator Shannon Grove, the legislation, known as The Accountability in Children's Treatment Act (SB 1043), mandates that the California Department of Social Services publicly disclose incidents involving the use of restraints or isolation on patients. Furthermore, it requires that parents, guardians, or tribal representatives be notified whenever such methods are employed. Paris Hilton, a prominent advocate for this cause, played a significant role in championing the bill, drawing from her own traumatic experiences in similar facilities. Governor Gavin Newsom praised Hilton's dedication to improving the treatment of vulnerable children, particularly those in the foster care system. He emphasized that children should not endure improper treatment while seeking help for their issues. The legislation follows previous reforms, including a 2021 law that prohibited sending foster children and teens charged with crimes to out-of-state treatment programs, instead establishing a short-term program within California. This reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding the well-being of at-risk youth and ensuring they receive appropriate care. The new law is seen as a crucial step towards accountability in the treatment of children and teens, aiming to prevent the misuse of restraints and isolation in facilities designed to support their recovery from mental health and substance abuse issues.