The New York Times: Paris Hilton Testifies Before Congress on “Troubled Teen” Facilities
Triggers: descriptions of physical abuse, sexual abuse, abduction, psychological abuse
Key Points:
On June 26, 2024 Paris Hilton testified at a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee about experiencing physical, sexual, and psychological abuse at facilities starting at age 16
The House Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over some child welfare programs
Voiced support “to reauthorize a lapsed program that provides states with resources to prevent child abuse and neglect”
Paris promoted “kinship care” as an alternative to sending foster youth to RTCs
Child welfare systems don’t get enough funding to operate properly
Supportive remarks shared from Dr. Sarah Font, a professor from Pennsylvania State University who “specializes in child abuse and neglect within foster care”
Provo Canyon School declined to comment and referred to a 2021 statement indicating that Provo Canyon School changed ownership in 2000
Paris also testified before the Utah Senate judiciary committee for more TTI regulation in 2021
Paris collaborated with congressional Democrats on a “bill of rights” for children in RTCs
Paris also supported a similar bill in California this past April