A West Virginia Senate bill designed to prevent child abuse in residential treatment facilities has gained support from Paris Hilton, who urged state lawmakers to pass the legislation. Hilton, who has been vocal about her own experiences of abuse in similar facilities as a teenager, described the bill as a vital step toward ensuring the safety of vulnerable youth.
Strengthening Protections for Minors
The proposed Senate Bill 817 would require state licensure for private adolescent residential programs and certain outdoor or boot camp-style programs that serve children with behavioral or mental health challenges. The bill, which advanced through the Senate Health Committee, also includes the following key provisions:
- Mandatory background checks for all staff
- Prohibition of physical discipline
- Ensuring basic rights such as access to education
- Unsupervised video communication between children and their parents
Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the need for oversight, stating, “We have had horrible things happen to our children in West Virginia. This bill requires licensure of these programs so that there is some oversight and accountability.”
The Push for Regulation
West Virginia has faced serious allegations of abuse in youth facilities, including Miracle Meadows, a now-closed boarding school accused of decades of sexual and physical abuse. Lawsuits against the institution have led to settlements totaling $100 million.
Hilton, who has advocated for similar legislation on a national level, testified before Congress about the mistreatment she endured in residential treatment programs, including forced restraint, solitary confinement, and physical abuse. Her efforts contributed to the passage of federal legislation in December that increased oversight of youth treatment facilities.
Implementation Concerns and Exemptions
While the bill has received strong support, some organizations have raised concerns about implementation challenges, particularly in rural areas where internet connectivity issues could affect the requirement for unsupervised video calls between parents and children.
Sarah Riley, executive director of High Rocks Educational Corporation, supports the bill’s goal but stressed the need for clarity regarding which programs it applies to. She argued that only therapeutic outdoor programs should be subject to regulation, rather than educational or recreational programs.
Certain programs are exempt from the bill, including:
- Mountaineer Challenge Academy (regulated separately)
- Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H clubs
- Faith-based camps and activities
Next Steps
If passed, the West Virginia Office of Inspector General would be responsible for establishing legislative rules to regulate residential treatment facilities. Programs that fail to comply with the bill’s requirements risk losing their operating license.
The measure now moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
