Sexual MisconductForced LaborFaith-Based ProgramsSurvivor StoriesStaff MisconductTurn-About Ranch
Hannah Archuleta, a 17‑year‑old former guest on Dr Phil’s show, alleges she was sexually assaulted by a staff member at Turn‑About Ranch in Utah and that the facility failed to take remedial action after she reported the abuse. She claims the ranch subjected her to physical and emotional abuse, including forced labor and restricted access to facilities. A lawsuit was filed on 24 February 2021 seeking justice for the alleged misconduct.
Facilities:Turn-About Ranch
Key Figures:Phillip Calvin McGraw (Dr Phil), Gloria Allred, Tony Archuleta, Danny Perkins
Group HomeStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesDocumentaryCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
Former students of Provo Canyon School, alongside public figures, have come forward with allegations of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse during their placements at the Utah residential facility. Representatives for the facility stated that current management cannot comment on historical operations prior to a 2000 ownership change and emphasized adherence to state regulatory standards.
Sydney Kincart •
The Daily Utah Chronicle •
Feb 24, 2021
Chemical RestraintPhysical RestraintSeclusionInvoluntary Transport
OversightLegislationLicensingSurvivor StoriesCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
Following public testimony from advocates including Paris Hilton regarding mistreatment at youth residential facilities, Utah lawmakers considered legislation to increase oversight of youth residential programs. S.B. 127 proposed requirements for documenting the use of restraints and seclusions and mandated authorization for chemical and mechanical restraints. The bill aimed to address reports of privacy invasions and abuse within the state's troubled teen industry.
JOSH BOSWELL, CHIEF INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER •
Daily Mail Online NewsUS Edition •
Feb 23, 2021
Child Sexual AbusePhysical RestraintChemical RestraintSeclusionHumiliating PunishmentsForced MedicationThreats
Sexual MisconductStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesCelebrityLegislationUtahProvo Canyon School
Aaron Ross, a former student, alleges that during his stay at Provo Canyon School in Utah he was subjected to sexual assault, physical restraint, and chemical restraint, and was confined in an isolation room. Paris Hilton, who also attended the school, has testified that she experienced verbal, physical, and mental abuse. The allegations have prompted renewed investigations and legislative action to increase oversight of youth residential treatment centers.
Decker Westenburg •
BYU Daily Universe •
Feb 20, 2021
Physical RestraintChemical RestraintSeclusion
LegislationOversightLicensingSurvivor StoriesCelebrityDocumentaryUtahProvo Canyon School
Lawmakers and survivors testified before the Utah Legislature's Senate Education Committee regarding proposed legislation to increase oversight in the state's residential treatment industry. Survivors shared accounts of physical restraint, chemical restraint, and seclusion during their time in Utah programs, prompting legislators to discuss whether current regulatory measures are sufficient.
Survivor StoriesLegislationCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
Paris Hilton discussed her ongoing advocacy against institutional abuse at boarding schools, highlighting support from fellow survivor Paris Jackson. Hilton previously alleged institutional misconduct during her time at Provo Canyon School, while the facility denied the allegations.
Staff MisconductSexual MisconductSurvivor StoriesPrivate SchoolsCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
Paris Hilton testified in a Utah court that she experienced mental, verbal, and physical abuse while attending Provo Canyon School. She alleged that staff monitored her in private spaces and that other children were subjected to strangulation and sexual abuse. The school has declined to comment on operations before 2000.
The Tribune Political Team •
The Salt Lake Tribune •
Feb 13, 2021
Physical RestraintChemical Restraint
LegislationOversightLicensingCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
The Utah Legislature advanced Senate Bill 127, which proposes increased inspections and stricter regulations on the use of restraints and sedatives in for-profit youth treatment centers. The bill received bipartisan support and advanced following advocacy from a survivor who previously attended a residential facility in the state.
Group HomeLicensingOversightLegislationSurvivor StoriesUtahProvo Canyon SchoolProvo Troubled-Teen FacilityUtah Office of Licensing
Paris Hilton testified before Utah lawmakers about her experience at a troubled‑teen facility in Provo, describing forced nighttime confinement, strip searches, and the use of restraints. The testimony supported SB127, which would require documentation of physical restraints, involuntary confinement, and prohibit chemical sedation and mechanical restraints without authorization.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School, Provo troubled-teen facility, Utah Office of Licensing
Roger McDonough •
Utah Public Radio •
Feb 12, 2021
Group HomeLegislationCelebrityProvo Canyon School
The segment discusses Sen. Mitt Romney's near involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol events, Utah lawmakers' efforts to reform the state's troubled‑teen industry, and related water‑commodity issues. The program features commentary from Salt Lake Tribune reporters and a UPR host.
CelebritySurvivor StoriesDocumentaryLegislationProvo Canyon School
Paris Hilton, identified as an institutional abuse survivor, testified before the Utah Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee about alleged verbal, mental, and physical abuse she experienced while enrolled at Provo Canyon School. She described forced medication, constant monitoring, and lack of privacy during her 11‑month stay.
Ryne Williams and Connor Richards •
Daily Herald •
Feb 12, 2021
Physical RestraintChemical RestraintSeclusionHumiliating PunishmentsChild Sexual AbuseChild-on-Child CSA
OversightLegislationStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesFoster CareUtahProvo Canyon SchoolUniversal Health ServicesNational Association of Therapeutic Schools and ProgramsYouth Providers AssociationUtah Department of Human Services - Office of Licensing
Former residents of Provo Canyon School have alleged physical, chemical, and sexual abuse, prompting survivor Paris Hilton to testify before Utah legislators. In response, Senate Bill 127 was introduced to increase oversight, limit restraints, and require reporting and suicide‑prevention measures at youth residential treatment facilities.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School, Universal Health Services, National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, Youth Providers Association, Utah Department of Human Services – Office of Licensing
