Paris Hilton, a renowned American socialite and businesswoman, has boldly demanded reforms in youth treatment facilities, recounting her own harrowing tale of alleged abuse before a US congressional committee. She bravely revealed that as a teenager, she was sent to a private youth facility in Utah where she endured "forced medication and sexual abuse by staff members." Her powerful testimony sheds a stark light on the so-called "troubled teen industry," a multibillion-dollar sector that Hilton accuses of prioritizing profits over the protection and care of vulnerable children.
As a vocal advocate for children in youth facilities and the foster care system, Hilton has previously shared her story through a book, a documentary, and numerous interviews. She recounted that at the age of 16, she was abruptly taken from her bed in the dead of night by strangers. Her school grades had been declining, and her parents were concerned about her behavior. However, they were blissfully unaware of the true nature of the facility and were "constantly deceived and manipulated by the staff," Hilton revealed to the committee. Her words paint a vivid picture of the distressing reality faced by many young people within this industry, highlighting the urgent need for change.
"They envisioned it as a typical boarding school," she recounted, "but upon arrival, there was no therapeutic healing. Instead, we faced constant demoralization, maltreatment, and harsh reprimands. My every communication with the outside world was tightly monitored, and my phone conversations with my parents were always under scrutiny. Hilton testified, "If I dared utter a single criticism of the facility, the call would be abruptly terminated, and I would face severe consequences—physical punishment or solitary confinement." The inhumane abuse she endured, she confessed, will forever cast a shadow over her life.
Now, Hilton is pleading with American legislators to adopt the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act. This bill aims to federally oversee the troubled youth industry, ensuring that abuse reporting systems are transparent and accountable. It would also establish nationwide guidelines for best practices in these centers, recognizing and respecting the diverse needs of the children. A recent external report from the Department of Health and Human Services revealed that numerous US states fail to adequately monitor the treatment of children in these facilities or document instances of abuse.
