Popular on TelAve
- IRF Builders Forum Brings Global Leaders to Washington, D.C. to Advance Religious Freedom Through Cooperative Engagement
- The ITeam Ranked on Channel Partners 2025 MSP 501—Tech Industry's Most Prestigious List of Managed Service Providers Worldwide
- Keepy Uppy™ by Ollyball Wins Prestigious 2025 Influencer Award from Clamour & The Toy Association; Announces Fall 2025 Launch at Target Stores
- databahn Launches GenAI Sales Intelligence Platform to Revolutionize Fortune 500 and Global 2000 Account Research
- Colorado Scenthound Locations Partner with Humane Colorado to Give Adopted Dogs a "Clean Start"
- NYC Leadership Strategist Stacie Selise Launches Groundbreaking 4S Framework Series to Redefine Executive Excellence
- TCAA Welcomes Adolfo Gomez Sanchez to Its Family of Talented Speakers
- Shop American Made Goods: New Online Marketplace My American Goods Curates the Best of U.S. Made
- Spartan & Guardians Partner with Guitar Legend Buckethead to Support Global Child Rescue Efforts
- IQSTEL Surges Toward $400M Run Rate with $101.5M in Revenue—Reinforces Billion-Dollar Vision Backed by Fintech, AI, and Cybersecurity
Similar on TelAve
- Pixel Studio Productions Launches Same-Day Headshots in Houston
- California Family Launches Billboard to Reach "Pardon Czar" Alice Marie Johnson
- Sumter Landing Dental Care Launches Summer Special on Full Mouth Reconstruction
- WonderDays Launches the UK's First AI Experience Gift Finder – Gifting Just Got So Much Easier!
- CelluHeal™ Launches Full Line of Advanced Wound Dressings for Online Purchase in the USA, Canada, and Beyond
- Chasing Elizabeth Taylor — The Dazzling True Story Behind the Queen of Diamonds Now Available in Limited-Edition Hardcover
- Dr. Harmon Completes Prestigious Zygomatic Implant Residency in Brazil
- Iterators LLC Honored with IST82 State Award for Accessibility in Massachusetts
- Josh & Heidi Share Upcoming "Spreading the Good BUZZ" Podcast Guests, Select Top Five Elopement Locations as Their Instagram Presence Grows Globally
- Ironside HR Named Fastest-Growing Staffing Firm for Second Year
CCHR Praises State Governments Acting to Curb Restraint Use in Psych Facilities
TelAve News/10825142
The mental health industry watchdog, which helped obtain restraint reforms two decades ago, relentlessly continues to demand a ban on lethal restraint procedures. It says celebrity support for greater oversight and protections has been vital.
LOS ANGELES - TelAve -- State governments are responding to concerning reports of restraint abuse and deaths in psychiatric and behavioral facilities—a measure the mental health industry watchdog, Citizens Commission on Human Rights International welcomes as vital for saving lives. The latest are in California and Alaska. In California, the introduction of Senate Bill 1043, the Accountability in Children's Treatment measure, was spearheaded by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) and Paris Hilton, alongside Senators Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento) and Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward). "The bipartisan initiative aims to enhance transparency in California's youth facilities, particularly those licensed by the California Department of Social Services, by making information about the use of restraints and seclusion rooms accessible to the public," the Times of San Diego reported.[1]
In March, two bills were introduced into the Alaska Legislature aimed at reforming residential psychiatric treatment for youth, enhancing patient protections and increasing state oversight. House Bill 366, introduced by Rep. Maxine Dibert and mirrored by Senate Bill 231 introduced by Sen. Matt Claman, mandates unannounced facility inspections twice a year, and prompt reporting of restraint or seclusion incidents. Another proposed bill, House Bill 363, introduced by Rep. Andrew Gray, aims to expedite court hearings for foster children placed in psychiatric hospitals.[2]
This followed a Mother Jones story in October exposing alleged abuse of foster youths in a for-profit behavioral facility in Alaska, that a behavioral hospital giant owns. The case of a girl admitted at the age of 12, detailed how "Medical and court records show that she was repeatedly physically restrained, forcibly injected with a sedative, held in seclusion, and put on potent psychiatric medications." For this, Alaska's Medicaid program paid more than half a million dollars for her "care."[3]
Mother Jones obtained data from 38 states on placement of foster care children, of which 31 provided Medicaid data, showing $611 million was spent on the care of foster children and youth at the facilities owned by the for-profit company.
As CCHR and others have exposed for more than two decades, and more recently recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN), "There is a growing consensus that all forms of restraint and seclusion in mental health services should be eliminated."[4]
More on TelAve News
In October 2023, the Los Angeles Times detailed the findings of its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, which uncovered shocking trends in patient restraints. It underscored the need for greater transparency and oversight in psychiatric facilities, as well as potential reforms needed to reduce the use of restraints.[5]
The death of 16-year-old African American foster care youth, Cornelius Frederick, following a restraint at the now-closed Lakeside Academy, a behavioral facility in Michigan increased demands for such oversight and legislative reforms. His death in 2020 was ruled a homicide and three staff were prosecuted, pleading no contest.[6]
Geoffrey Fieger, a lawyer for the Frederick family commented on the abuse of teens in such facilities: "Unless you shine a light on insects and maggots, they proliferate. Certainly, this type of behavior is not human. It can only be akin to a subhuman-type species that would inflict this behavior on children."[7]
"It's high time that the dark underbelly of this industry is exposed and those responsible are held accountable," Tommy James, another attorney representing victims of the industry and their families, told media.[8]
The WHO and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) guidance on Mental Health, Human Rights, and Legislation also urges accountability: "Effective remedies also entail the duty to investigate and bring to justice those who are responsible, to hold them to account, combat impunity and prevent repetition of violations."[9]
Numerous states have prohibited sending their foster care children and troubled teens out of state to for-profit behavioral and troubled teen treatment facilities because of abuse and restraint deaths. As the Times of San Diego reported that, previously out-of-state facilities were disqualified through legislative actions like AB 808 and AB 153, which mandated the return of all California youth from these facilities by January 1, 2023, following reports of abuse in such facilities. SB 1043 seeks to further this progress by requiring the reporting of key data on a public dashboard, aiming to ensure accountability in children's treatment.[10]
Ms. Hilton is a survivor of such facilities in Utah, where she was treated as a teenager. The facility, Provo Canyon, is now owned by UHS. "As a survivor of the 'Troubled Teen Industry,' I am proud to partner with Senator Shannon Grove – a champion for children in California – on the Accountability in Children's Treatment Act to bring much-needed transparency to California youth facilities," she said. "I look forward to collaborating with all members of the California legislature on this important bill in our shared pursuit for protection of our state's most vulnerable youth."[11]
More on TelAve News
CCHR says the celebrity's voice and actions championing this important issue have been vital in the fight for children's rights.
The California bill requires reports on restraint/seclusion use that include actions taken during the incident, the rationale for it, and who the personnel were that implemented the restraint. The bill sets a deadline of January 1, 2026, for the data to be posted quarterly to a dashboard on a state website.[12]
Jan Eastgate, President of CCHR International, said this is an important aspect of the bill—a public reporting of restraint use to ensure accountability. But ultimately, she said, all states need to heed the WHO recommendations and ban the practice completely. According to the WHO, "Not only are seclusion and restraint contrary to international human rights law, their use is incompatible with a recovery approach, counters the purpose of care and can lead to physical and psychological harm, even death." As such, legislation should "prohibit the use of seclusion and restraint in any health or social care facility."[13]
About CCHR: CCHR was founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and the late Dr. Thomas Szasz, Professor of Psychiatry. It has helped achieve many laws internationally that protect patients from abuse in the mental health system.
Sources:
[1] timesofsandiego.com/politics/2024/04/02/paris-hilton-ca-senator-grove-announce-childrens-protection-measure/
[2] www.aol.com/2-bills-seek-reform-alaskas-035900814.html
[3] www.cchrint.org/2023/10/23/mother-jones-behavioral-facility-abuse-foster-children-applauded/; www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2023/10/foster-kids-psychiatric-hospitals-universal-health-services-uhs-alaska-cps/
[4] www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/WHO-OHCHR-Mental-health-human-rights-and-legislation_web.pdf
[5] www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-19/restraint-psychiatric-patients-oversight-los-angeles-general-hospital; www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-19/psychiatric-patients-restraint-high-rate-california-los-angeles-general-hospital
[6] www.cbsnews.com/news/cornelius-fredericks-death-lakeside-academy-staffers-charged-kalamazoo-michigan/; wincountry.com/2021/08/01/former-nurse-at-lakeside-academy-pleads-no-contest-in-death-of-student/; www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2022/04/lakeside-academy-buildings-demolished-as-kalamazoo-county-club-plans-expansion.html; wwmt.com/news/local/michael-mosley-zachary-solis-lakeside-academy-cornelius-fredericks-death-2020-sandwich-restraint-manslaughter-homicide-crime-kalamazoo-county-west-michigan; www.propublica.org/article/illinois-dcfs-children-out-of-state-placements; imprintnews.org/top-stories/family-of-foster-youth-slain-by-staff-at-for-profit-group-home-files-50-million-federal-lawsuit/59482
[7] www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/video-shows-fatal-restraint-cornelius-fredericks-16-michigan-foster-facility-n1233122
[8] www.al.com/news/2023/03/teen-brutalized-at-alabama-sequel-youth-facility-attempted-suicide-after-unspeakable-abuse-lawsuit-states.html
[9] www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/WHO-OHCHR-Mental-health-human-rights-and-legislation_web.pdf
[10] timesofsandiego.com/politics/2024/04/02/paris-hilton-ca-senator-grove-announce-childrens-protection-measure/
[11] fox40.com/news/california-connection/paris-hilton-state-lawmakers-announce-new-social-services-transparency-bill/; www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2023/10/foster-kids-psychiatric-hospitals-universal-health-services-uhs-alaska-cps/
[12] fox40.com/news/california-connection/paris-hilton-state-lawmakers-announce-new-social-services-transparency-bill/
[13] www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/WHO-OHCHR-Mental-health-human-rights-and-legislation_web.pdf
In March, two bills were introduced into the Alaska Legislature aimed at reforming residential psychiatric treatment for youth, enhancing patient protections and increasing state oversight. House Bill 366, introduced by Rep. Maxine Dibert and mirrored by Senate Bill 231 introduced by Sen. Matt Claman, mandates unannounced facility inspections twice a year, and prompt reporting of restraint or seclusion incidents. Another proposed bill, House Bill 363, introduced by Rep. Andrew Gray, aims to expedite court hearings for foster children placed in psychiatric hospitals.[2]
This followed a Mother Jones story in October exposing alleged abuse of foster youths in a for-profit behavioral facility in Alaska, that a behavioral hospital giant owns. The case of a girl admitted at the age of 12, detailed how "Medical and court records show that she was repeatedly physically restrained, forcibly injected with a sedative, held in seclusion, and put on potent psychiatric medications." For this, Alaska's Medicaid program paid more than half a million dollars for her "care."[3]
Mother Jones obtained data from 38 states on placement of foster care children, of which 31 provided Medicaid data, showing $611 million was spent on the care of foster children and youth at the facilities owned by the for-profit company.
As CCHR and others have exposed for more than two decades, and more recently recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN), "There is a growing consensus that all forms of restraint and seclusion in mental health services should be eliminated."[4]
More on TelAve News
- Rent Like A Champion Acquires CollegeWeekends
- Sumter Landing Dental Care Launches Summer Special on Full Mouth Reconstruction
- Seligson Law Launches New Website to Support Cannabis Businesses in California and New York
- databahn Announces Subscription Access to Fortune 500 GenAI Deep Dive Sales Intelligence Reports
- AI startup Congero offers instant websites with 24/7 updates - aiming to replace web agencies
In October 2023, the Los Angeles Times detailed the findings of its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, which uncovered shocking trends in patient restraints. It underscored the need for greater transparency and oversight in psychiatric facilities, as well as potential reforms needed to reduce the use of restraints.[5]
The death of 16-year-old African American foster care youth, Cornelius Frederick, following a restraint at the now-closed Lakeside Academy, a behavioral facility in Michigan increased demands for such oversight and legislative reforms. His death in 2020 was ruled a homicide and three staff were prosecuted, pleading no contest.[6]
Geoffrey Fieger, a lawyer for the Frederick family commented on the abuse of teens in such facilities: "Unless you shine a light on insects and maggots, they proliferate. Certainly, this type of behavior is not human. It can only be akin to a subhuman-type species that would inflict this behavior on children."[7]
"It's high time that the dark underbelly of this industry is exposed and those responsible are held accountable," Tommy James, another attorney representing victims of the industry and their families, told media.[8]
The WHO and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) guidance on Mental Health, Human Rights, and Legislation also urges accountability: "Effective remedies also entail the duty to investigate and bring to justice those who are responsible, to hold them to account, combat impunity and prevent repetition of violations."[9]
Numerous states have prohibited sending their foster care children and troubled teens out of state to for-profit behavioral and troubled teen treatment facilities because of abuse and restraint deaths. As the Times of San Diego reported that, previously out-of-state facilities were disqualified through legislative actions like AB 808 and AB 153, which mandated the return of all California youth from these facilities by January 1, 2023, following reports of abuse in such facilities. SB 1043 seeks to further this progress by requiring the reporting of key data on a public dashboard, aiming to ensure accountability in children's treatment.[10]
Ms. Hilton is a survivor of such facilities in Utah, where she was treated as a teenager. The facility, Provo Canyon, is now owned by UHS. "As a survivor of the 'Troubled Teen Industry,' I am proud to partner with Senator Shannon Grove – a champion for children in California – on the Accountability in Children's Treatment Act to bring much-needed transparency to California youth facilities," she said. "I look forward to collaborating with all members of the California legislature on this important bill in our shared pursuit for protection of our state's most vulnerable youth."[11]
More on TelAve News
- WonderDays Launches the UK's First AI Experience Gift Finder – Gifting Just Got So Much Easier!
- CelluHeal™ Launches Full Line of Advanced Wound Dressings for Online Purchase in the USA, Canada, and Beyond
- Nonprofit innovator named Mensa Executive Director
- Yasmine Roulleau named Managing Director in Vancouver, Canada
- Chasing Elizabeth Taylor — The Dazzling True Story Behind the Queen of Diamonds Now Available in Limited-Edition Hardcover
CCHR says the celebrity's voice and actions championing this important issue have been vital in the fight for children's rights.
The California bill requires reports on restraint/seclusion use that include actions taken during the incident, the rationale for it, and who the personnel were that implemented the restraint. The bill sets a deadline of January 1, 2026, for the data to be posted quarterly to a dashboard on a state website.[12]
Jan Eastgate, President of CCHR International, said this is an important aspect of the bill—a public reporting of restraint use to ensure accountability. But ultimately, she said, all states need to heed the WHO recommendations and ban the practice completely. According to the WHO, "Not only are seclusion and restraint contrary to international human rights law, their use is incompatible with a recovery approach, counters the purpose of care and can lead to physical and psychological harm, even death." As such, legislation should "prohibit the use of seclusion and restraint in any health or social care facility."[13]
About CCHR: CCHR was founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and the late Dr. Thomas Szasz, Professor of Psychiatry. It has helped achieve many laws internationally that protect patients from abuse in the mental health system.
Sources:
[1] timesofsandiego.com/politics/2024/04/02/paris-hilton-ca-senator-grove-announce-childrens-protection-measure/
[2] www.aol.com/2-bills-seek-reform-alaskas-035900814.html
[3] www.cchrint.org/2023/10/23/mother-jones-behavioral-facility-abuse-foster-children-applauded/; www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2023/10/foster-kids-psychiatric-hospitals-universal-health-services-uhs-alaska-cps/
[4] www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/WHO-OHCHR-Mental-health-human-rights-and-legislation_web.pdf
[5] www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-19/restraint-psychiatric-patients-oversight-los-angeles-general-hospital; www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-19/psychiatric-patients-restraint-high-rate-california-los-angeles-general-hospital
[6] www.cbsnews.com/news/cornelius-fredericks-death-lakeside-academy-staffers-charged-kalamazoo-michigan/; wincountry.com/2021/08/01/former-nurse-at-lakeside-academy-pleads-no-contest-in-death-of-student/; www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2022/04/lakeside-academy-buildings-demolished-as-kalamazoo-county-club-plans-expansion.html; wwmt.com/news/local/michael-mosley-zachary-solis-lakeside-academy-cornelius-fredericks-death-2020-sandwich-restraint-manslaughter-homicide-crime-kalamazoo-county-west-michigan; www.propublica.org/article/illinois-dcfs-children-out-of-state-placements; imprintnews.org/top-stories/family-of-foster-youth-slain-by-staff-at-for-profit-group-home-files-50-million-federal-lawsuit/59482
[7] www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/video-shows-fatal-restraint-cornelius-fredericks-16-michigan-foster-facility-n1233122
[8] www.al.com/news/2023/03/teen-brutalized-at-alabama-sequel-youth-facility-attempted-suicide-after-unspeakable-abuse-lawsuit-states.html
[9] www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/WHO-OHCHR-Mental-health-human-rights-and-legislation_web.pdf
[10] timesofsandiego.com/politics/2024/04/02/paris-hilton-ca-senator-grove-announce-childrens-protection-measure/
[11] fox40.com/news/california-connection/paris-hilton-state-lawmakers-announce-new-social-services-transparency-bill/; www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2023/10/foster-kids-psychiatric-hospitals-universal-health-services-uhs-alaska-cps/
[12] fox40.com/news/california-connection/paris-hilton-state-lawmakers-announce-new-social-services-transparency-bill/
[13] www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/WHO-OHCHR-Mental-health-human-rights-and-legislation_web.pdf
Source: Citizens Commission on Human Rights
0 Comments
Latest on TelAve News
- ICAST 2025: The Crystal-Clear Revolution Begins at Booth #3233
- Brindle Pet Supplies Now Carries Badlands Ranch Dog Food in Canada
- $10 Million Allocated to Establish Crypto Treasury Focused on High Value Ethereum (ETH) & Bitcoin (BTC) as Long-Term Holdings for Cybersecurity Leader
- Sing For Your Supper: A Night of Musical Comedy and Drag for a Great Cause
- Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies Celebrates New DBH Graduates
- $100 to $200 Million Equity Agreement with Top Digital Advisor Bitwise to Power Major Digital Asset Initiative for Bitcoin and Solana: OFA Group
- New Collaboration Launches Corporate ESG Solution for Responsible Decommissioning and Transparent Reporting
- SlickCashLoan Launches Free Loan Calculator to Help You Plan Monthly Payments
- Cellhire boosts its EE offering via deal with BT Wholesale's Complete Mobile
- 24/7 customizable AI answering service from Kell Web Solutions, Inc. helps businesses never miss a customer call, lead, or appointment again
- TikTok Star ArcadeFriends Attempts 24-Hour Claw Machine Marathon at Lucky Puppy Arcade in Las Vegas
- Next-generation virtual receptionist service leverages AI to ensure every customer call and text is answered, enhancing efficiency and engagem
- New AI-Powered Platform from Kell Web Solutions Delivers 24/7 Professional, Automated Call Handling and Appointment Scheduling
- Pyro Marketing Launches New Website to Accelerate Growth for Fitness Brands
- KCON LA 2025, 106.3 RAIN FM 'Take Over' Special Event
- The Citizens Commission on Human Rights Annual Purple Heart Day Event will be Hosted at the Historic Fort Harrison
- Blake Harris the Leading Authority in International Asset Protection Joins Tom Hegna on "Financial Freedom with Tom Hegna"
- Psychedelics for Vets? CCHR Cites History of Exploitation and Failed Science
- GreenPal Empowers Lawn Care Pros Leveraging AI, Surpasses 5 Million Transactions
- Santa Monica Businesses Push Back on Bus Stop Relocation That Threatens Access and Safety