SACRAMENTO - California lawmakers on Wednesday (August 28th) passed bipartisan legislation to enact stricter public oversight on the use of seclusion or restraints on children and teenagers in residential treatment facilities. The protections were advocated by celebrity hotel heir Paris Hilton.

Senate Bill 1043, written by Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), would require both public and private short-term therapeutic programs to publish every incident of seclusion or restraint used on minors, as well as any health or safety concerns. Policymakers nationwide have expressed concern about the historical use of these punishment tactics against youths, many of whom are in foster care, criticizing the lack of transparency about these incidents.

The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration.

Story Date: September 13, 2024