Latest news with #StopInstitutionalChildAbuseAct
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Health
- Associated Press
CCHR Demands Urgent Reform to Stop Child Abuse in Youth Behavioral Facilities
LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Amid a surge of reported abuse and deaths in psychiatric and behavioral residential programs for youth, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR) is urging immediate and sweeping federal intervention. CCHR warns that continued inaction by state and federal agencies endangers lives and enables a mental health system where vulnerable children and adolescents are subjected to trauma, neglect, and avoidable harm. In December 2024, Congress passed the bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, calling for a study by the National Academies of Sciences into the state of youth in institutional programs. However, the legislation granted a three-year window to complete the investigation—a delay CCHR deems unconscionable now, given ongoing reports of harm. 'Children are dying. Others are being restrained, secluded, forcibly drugged, or sexually abused,' said Jan Eastgate, President of CCHR International. 'How many more cases of tragedy must occur before regulators respond with urgency? A three-year timeline is a death sentence for some of these children.' A 2024 peer-reviewed study in Psychiatric Services confirmed that the use of seclusion and mechanical restraints remains widespread in U.S. psychiatric hospitals, despite the documented trauma and risk of death. The study called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission to implement reforms to end the practice. A previous New York Times investigation estimated at least 86 deaths in youth behavioral programs from 2000 to 2015, noting that children in these institutions are often subjected to conditions that would be unlawful for prisoners—including isolation, and physical and chemical restraint.[1] In just the past few weeks, a string of new incidents has surfaced from across the U.S. involving youth facilities, including: Two girls, aged 12 and 13, died by suicide in May in a North Carolina behavioral treatment facility, forcing its closure.[2] Reports of hundreds of prolonged restraint incidents in a single California psychiatric facility within months.[3] A teenage boy was repeatedly sexually abused by staff at a New Mexico behavioral facility.[4] Seclusion and restraint of children as young as five; Vermont state authorities confirmed over 500 cases.[5] New legislation was passed in Maryland restricting the use of physical restraints during youth transport to psych facilities.[6] Although multiple federal investigations have led to substantial fines and civil settlements, CCHR asserts these penalties have failed to deter misconduct, patient harm, and deaths. 'Financial penalties are clearly not enough. Many of these settlements are treated as the cost of doing business,' Eastgate noted. CCHR also emphasizes that current tools used by government agencies—such as consent agreements or Corporate Integrity Agreements (CIAs)—do not work. These measures allow institutions with a history of serious violations to remain operational after promising internal improvements. 'Voluntary promises are violated again and again, and children suffer the consequences,' Eastgate said. 'These agreements create a dangerous illusion of accountability.' The organization is calling on Congress and the Administration to take such actions as: Accelerate the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act investigation. Withhold CMS and Medicaid funding from facilities with substantiated abuse records. Freeze new licenses or bed expansions for companies under investigation. Establish criminal penalties for executives and staff found complicit in systemic abuse. Prohibit the use of further Corporate Integrity or improvement agreements for known violators. In June 2024, a U.S. Senate Finance Committee report into several for-profit youth behavioral hospital chains described the harms children experienced resulted, in part, from financial models that prioritize revenue over safety. The Committee urged 'bold intervention' to prevent further tragedies. Prominent legal professionals agree. KBA attorney Kayla Ferrel Onder stated: 'More effective oversight systems need to be in place to protect patients. This includes stricter penalties for facilities found guilty of abuse or fraud. Jail time for executives and significantly larger financial penalties may be necessary to curb misconduct prevalent in the behavioral healthcare industry.'[7] Attorney Tommy James cites horrendous physical abuse and emotional trauma in behavioral residential facilities, stating, 'those responsible must be held accountable.'[8] Another attorney, Kayla Ferrel Onder said the abuse is so extensive that it reflected a 'systemic failure,' which needs to stop.[9] CCHR maintains an extensive record of documented youth abuse in psychiatric facilities, including seclusion, restraint, sexual assault, and forced drugging. 'Children should not be warehoused, abused, or silenced,' said Eastgate. 'What is happening now is a humanitarian crisis hiding in plain sight.' Quoting lawmakers who have supported the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, Rep. Ro Khanna stated: 'The industry has gone unchecked for too long.'[10] Senator Tommy Tuberville added: 'We need more sunlight… to stop the waste, fraud, and abuse in the system.' 'This is not a policy debate—it is a moral imperative,' Eastgate concluded. 'We are calling on legislators, prosecutors, and health agencies to act now. No more broken promises. No more promises of avoidable deaths. No more children forgotten in the system.' About CCHR : The government-acclaimed watchdog and award-winning advocacy group was established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and Professor of Psychiatry, Dr. Thomas Szasz. To learn more, visit: Sources: [1] Alexander Stockton, 'Can you punish a child's mental health problems away?' The New York Times , 11 Oct. 2022, [2] Jeffery Collins, 'Residential treatment school closes in North Carolina after deaths of 2 girls,' AP News , 3 June 2025, [3] 'California watchdog finds for-profit psychiatric hospital abused patients,' San Francisco Chronicle , 19 May 2025 [4] 'Suit alleges teen repeatedly abused by worker at former youth residential treatment center,' Santa Fe New Mexican, 29 May 2025, [5] 'Youth in Vermont custody have been physically restrained hundreds of times in recent years,' VT Digger , 22 May 2025, [6] [7] [8] Erica Thomas, 'Tuskegee youth facility dubbed 'House of Horrors' in latest lawsuit,' 1819 News , 27 Aug. 2024, [9] 'Letter: The alarming pattern of abuse at Acadia Healthcare facilities,' Springfield Daily Citizen , 29 May 2025, [10] citing MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: Image caption: 'Children should not be warehoused, abused, or silenced. What is happening now is a humanitarian crisis hiding in plain sight.' – Jan Eastgate, President, CCHR International. NEWS SOURCE: Citizens Commission on Human Rights Keywords: Family and Parenting, Reform, Stop Child Abuse, Youth Behavioral Facilities, Citizens Commission on Human Rights, CCHR International, Jan Eastgate, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Citizens Commission on Human Rights) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126791 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
"A Child Called 'It'" author says Connecticut house of horrors case is 'attempted murder'
The author of the bestselling memoir "A Child Called 'It:' One Child's Courage to Survive" says allegations of child abuse against Connecticut stepmom Kimberly Sullivan are troubling. "That is attempted murder," Dave Pelzer told Fox News Digital, adding details of the Sullivan case are "beyond sadness." Sullivan, 56, was arrested March 12 in Waterbury, Connecticut, after her 32-year-old stepson set a fire at their house Feb. 27 to escape what authorities said were abusive conditions. He weighed just 68 pounds. As chronicled in his book, which has sold millions of copies and spent several years on The New York Times Best Sellers list, Pelzer was physically and emotionally abused by his mother from ages 4 to 12. 'Malnourished Man Held Captive By Stepmom For Decades Set Fire To Home To Escape: 'I Wanted My Freedom' "I've worked a lot of cases — a lot of cases. This is severe. Extremely severe," Pelzer said. "Because of the length of it and the fact, again, [the victim is] 5-foot-8 and 68 pounds. And I'm worried about his mental state." Read On The Fox News App The Waterbury Police Department located Sullivan's 32-year-old stepson at the home, where he admitted to setting the blaze. The man, who has not been named, was found emaciated and told police he had been confined in the home since age 11. He said he had never received medical or dental care. "I wanted my freedom," he told investigators. Man Describes Shocking Living Conditions He Endured During 20-Year Home Captivity: 'Unimaginable' According to an arrest warrant for Sullivan, the victim, identified as "Male Victim 1," was held in a windowless 8-foot by 9-foot storage closet with no air conditioning or heat and without access to a bathroom for 20 years. He was kept inside the closet 22-24 hours per day. He was allowed two sandwiches and two small water bottles each day, one of which he would use for bathing. He disposed of his waste using water bottles and newspaper. Sullivan was arrested on charges of first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment. She was released on $300,000 bail. Utah Mommy Blogger Ruby Franke's Power, Public Image Allowed Child Abuse To Go 'Unchecked': Expert Despite the fact the victim was sometimes allowed out of the house to let out the family dog and do chores, Pelzer said victims of extreme abuse do not run because they are conditioned by their parents into thinking that the abuse they face is normal. "I've got to tell you, when I went to court, when I was being made a permanent ward of the court, I was with my beautiful social worker. God bless her," Pelzer said. "And I saw my mom right across the hallway, and I forgot I had done this, but I guess I wrote a note to my mom saying, 'Dear mom, I'm so sorry about this.' Paris Hilton Urges House To Pass 'Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act' After Senate's Unanimous Approval "I remember one time I was going to run away," he said. "I think I was 6, and I had it all planned out. I stole an apple pie and brought it into the basement. They were gone for an afternoon for family affair or whatever, and I was about to run away. I thought, 'Where am I going to go? Who's going to take me in?'" While there have been reports the Connecticut Department of Children and Families visited the Sullivan home in response to reports from the victim's school, Pelzer explained that abusive parents often have a unique ability to manipulate authorities. Read Kimberly Sullivan's arrest warrant: Mobile users click here "We are shocked and saddened for the victim and at the unspeakable conditions he endured. The now adult victim has shown incredible strength and resilience during this time of healing, and our hearts go out to him," the department said in a statement. The department noted there are no records of visits to the Sullivan home on file because reports of neglect and abuse that are unsubstantiated are expunged from its system after five years. Pelzer said he hopes a caring family member will support the victim, who will have limited state resources for recovery as an adult. Fox News Digital reached out to two of the victim's sisters and Sullivan's article source: "A Child Called 'It'" author says Connecticut house of horrors case is 'attempted murder'
CBS News
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Paris Hilton auctions clothing for Los Angeles wildfire recovery efforts
Paris Hilton cleaned out her closet and auctioned clothing, shoes and handbags for LA fire recovery. In partnership with Vestiaire Collective, an online luxury resale platform, Hilton listed nearly 100 pieces on Wednesday, and everything sold that day. "The Simple Life" reality TV star announced the sale on her Instagram account, "Net proceeds will go to my charity 11.11 Media Impact … Use code THATSHOT15 for 15% off your first purchase," she wrote. Two days after going up, the online Paris Hilton Closet Sale f eatures every item as "Already Sold," with price tags ranging from $75 to over $2,000. The collection included a Juicy Couture velour tracksuit, Paris Hilton-signed slogan T-shirts and Von Dutch jacket, bedazzled denim jackets with "Paris Hilton" embroidered on the back, and a vintage Takashi Murakami x Louis Vuitton bag. "This sale will support my charity's work around relief efforts for the devastating LA fires and our ongoing mission to protect vulnerable youth from child abuse and bring hope to those in need," Hilton said. "I can't think of a better way to combine my greatest passions, fashion and charity, than with a closet sale." Hilton's nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact is aimed at protecting children, focusing on ending institutional child abuse due to Paris's lived experience. Hilton played a key role in passing the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act in 2024 which requires greater transparency of youth residential treatment facilities in the United States. As a resident of Los Angeles, Hilton has been actively supporting the California wildfire recovery efforts through 11:11 Media Impact. The proceeds of the closet sale will also go towards providing financial assistance to families who have lost their homes, providing short-term housing, and daily essentials.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
VESTIAIRE COLLECTIVE PARTNERS WITH PARIS HILTON FOR CLOSET SALE FEATURING ICONIC LOOKS WITH PROCEEDS BENEFITING HILTON'S NONPROFIT 11:11 MEDIA IMPACT
NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2025 /CNW/ -- Vestiaire Collective, the leading global platform for pre-loved luxury fashion, announces its latest celebrity closet sale with OG influencer, entrepreneur, innovator, and philanthropist Paris Hilton with net proceeds benefiting her nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact and their efforts to support relief for the LA fires, where she's been leveraging her platform to raise awareness, provide resources, and assist affected communities. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: As a certified B-Corp, Vestiaire Collective is partnering with Hilton, a longtime circular fashion advocate, on this exclusive charity sale, selling nearly 100 pre-loved pieces directly from Hilton's personal closet that showcase her iconic style and fashion evolution, from socialite to modern business mogul. The sale is a unique opportunity to own pieces from a bona fide fashion icon, including a Juicy Couture velour tracksuit, Paris Hilton-signed slogan T-shirts and Von Dutch jacket, bedazzled denim jackets with "Paris Hilton" embroidered on the back, and a vintage Takashi Murakami x Louis Vuitton bag. Among other standouts are a Miu Miu studded biker jacket, her signature mini dresses from brands such as Lanvin, Mugler, Self-Portrait, and Zhivago, and a selection of handbags and shoes from Balenciaga, Versace, and Giuseppe Zanotti. Max Mara has also lent their support to the sale by donating the Max Mara 101801 topcoat, a timeless piece that Paris has reworn, while Pamella Roland, a longtime supporter of Hilton, has donated an evening dress. Prices range from $75 to $2250 and will be available to purchase globally. "I've always embraced taking risks and having fun with fashion. I hope the pieces in my closet inspire others to experiment with their style and celebrate originality. This sale will support my charity's work around relief efforts for the devastating LA fires and our ongoing mission to protect vulnerable youth from child abuse and bring hope to those in need. I can't think of a better way to combine my greatest passions, fashion and charity, than with a closet sale. I'm so thankful to Vestiaire Collective for championing not only charitable causes but also pushing consumers to make fun, iconic fashion choices," says Hilton, CEO of 11:11 Media Impact. Net proceeds from the sale will be donated to 11:11 Media Impact, a non-profit founded by Hilton to protect children globally, historically focusing on ending institutional child abuse due to Paris's lived-experience. Hilton, a vocal advocate for the issue, played a key role in passing the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act in December 2024 which requires greater transparency of youth residential treatment facilities in the United States. As a resident of Los Angeles, Hilton has been actively supporting the California wildfire recovery efforts through 11:11 Media Impact. The proceeds of the closet sale will also go towards providing financial assistance to families who have lost their homes, providing short-term housing, and daily essentials. "Fashion has the power to tell stories of self-expression and identity, and our closet sales have always been about celebrating trailblazers. Paris is a true icon, inspiring us not only with her bold style, but also with her courage to share her personal story to spark change. As pioneers in the fashion industry, committed to creating a more sustainable future, we are proud to collaborate with Paris, a changemaker advocating for the rights of children and teens," says Co-founder and President of Vestiaire Collective, Fanny Moizant. The sale also features unique content across Paris Hilton's personal channels and Vestiaire Collective-owned channels, including an interview with Hilton and editorial content on the main homepage, as well as dedicated e-mails and curated shopping features. Founded in Paris in 2009, Vestiaire Collective stands out by offering its global community of fashion lovers access to one-of-a-kind wardrobes from around the world, as well as maintaining official partnerships with some of the biggest names in luxury fashion, including Burberry, Gucci, Chloé, and more. With over 5 million items in the catalog and 30,000 new listings daily, Vestiaire Collective has become the top choice to buy and sell pre-loved luxury fashion. With monthly celebrity, influencer, and tastemaker closet sales, Vestiaire Collective offers its millions of members access to coveted closets from all around the world, like Hilton's, with previous celebrity closet sales including Jessica Chastain, Laura Dern, Chloe Fineman, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Candace Bushnell, Karen Elson, and more. This partnership with Hilton is part of the company's ambitious growth strategy in the United States and follows another major pop culture moment for the brand: its 2024 feature in Season 4 of Emily in Paris. The United States is now Vestiaire Collective's largest market, representing 20% of its total business. Campaign imagery: HERE Product imagery: HEREDiscover the Paris Hilton closet sale: HEREDiscover the Paris Hilton edit to get her look: HERE Learn about 11:11 Media Impact: HERE About Vestiaire Collective Vestiaire Collective is the leading global platform for pre-loved luxury fashion. The company's mission is to transform the fashion industry for a more sustainable future, through empowering its community to shop more consciously. Driven by the philosophy 'Think First, Buy Second', Vestiaire Collective offers a trusted space for its community to prolong the life of its most-loved fashion pieces. The platform's innovative features simplify the selling and buying process, as well as giving its members access to one-of-a-kind wardrobes from around the world. The company boasts a curation of 5 million desirable items. Co-founded in 2009 by two female entrepreneurs in Paris, Vestiaire Collective is a Certified B Corporation® and is active in 70 countries worldwide. About 11:11 Media Impact 11:11 Media Impact, founded by Paris Hilton, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting change worldwide. Rooted in Paris's lived experiences, the organization leverages strategic advocacy, socially-conscious storytelling, and philanthropic investments to address critical issues such as protecting children from institutional child abuse and fostering inclusion for individuals with learning and thinking differences. Since its inception, 11:11 Media Impact has achieved significant milestones, including the passage of the federal Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, the enactment of 10 U.S. state laws safeguarding youth in residential treatment facilities, and the successful repatriation of American children from abusive facilities abroad. In addition to its child protection work, Paris has been a passionate advocate for ADHD awareness and a steadfast supporter of LGBTQIA+ direct service organizations. With over 21.5 billion earned media impressions in 2024 alone, 11:11 Media Impact harnesses innovative strategies and Paris's global influence to drive systemic change, deliver justice for survivors, and protect vulnerable children around the world. pr@ Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vestiaire Collective View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
