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Congress passed the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act on December 18, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the protection of institutionalized youth. The bill, championed by Paris Hilton, addresses the urgent need for reform in residential youth programs and establishes comprehensive safeguards for vulnerable children.
The legislation, which received unanimous Senate approval on December 11 before passing the House, mandates stricter oversight of boarding schools, boot camps, and youth treatment facilities. According to Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), a co-sponsor of the bill, the act aims to ensure these institutions "provide safe, supportive, and nurturing environments" while increasing transparency and accountability.
Paris Hilton's advocacy stems from personal trauma. During her testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee in June 2024, she revealed harrowing details of her experience at Provo Canyon School. "I was violently restrained and dragged down hallways, stripped naked, and thrown into solitary confinement," she recounted, emphasizing how the for-profit industry had deceived her parents about the treatment she endured.
The legislation's journey began in April 2023, coinciding with the release of Hilton's memoir detailing her experiences. Through her "Trapped in Treatment" podcast and numerous Capitol Hill visits, including a notable 2022 White House meeting with policy staff and abuse survivors, Hilton has persistently pushed for systemic change.
Representative Carter acknowledged Hilton's contribution during the House session, praising "her hard work, her bravery and her vulnerability." The reality TV star's advocacy has garnered bipartisan support, demonstrating the issue's significance across political lines.
Now a mother of two, she emphasized the personal nature of this fight during an appearance on CNN's "The Source." The 43-year-old entrepreneur stressed her commitment to protecting future generations, stating she "will never stop fighting" for children trapped in these systems.
The bill now awaits President Biden's signature before becoming law, representing a vital step forward in protecting institutionalized youth from abuse and neglect.
