Child Care Transparency Bill Passes Assembly Appropriations Committee In Unanimous Vote

A bill aimed at creating more transparency at the Department of Social Services passed the critical Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday, moving the bill up for a floor vote in the next few weeks.

Senate Bill 1043, authored by Senator Shannon Grove (D-San Diego), would specifically require, in the case of an incident involving the use of seclusion or behavioral restraints in a short-term residential therapeutic program, the facility to  provide, within 7 days, a description of the incident, in both oral and written forms, to the person subject to the seclusion or behavioral restraint and, as applicable, to the person’s parent or guardian. The bill, also known as the Accountability in Children’s Treatment Act, would require that the description contain certain information, including the actions taken during the incident and its duration, the rationale for the actions, and the personnel approving and implementing the actions, as well as investigate the report.

In addition, SB 1043 would require the CDSS, by January 1, 2026, to display, on its internet website, data that is specific to short-term residential therapeutic programs. SB 1043 would also require the dashboard to display the above-described data on seclusion or behavioral restraints as applicable to those programs, incidents, and the numbers and types of licensing and administrative actions taken for the improper use of seclusion or behavioral restraints by the short-term residential therapeutic program or an associated individual for the improper use of seclusion or behavioral restraints.

Senator Grove wrote the bill earlier this year due to a history of child abuse in such facilities, and gives greater transparency to loved ones and guardians over any possible incidents that occur at facilities.

“I am grateful for the members of the Senate Human Services Committee for unanimously passing my bill, Accountability in Children’s Treatment,” said Senator Grove in April. “I will continue to fight for our children and survivors – whether it is going after human traffickers or ensuring the highest level of transparency in our children’s care. I am honored to partner with Paris Hilton, a survivor of the troubled teen industry, on this children’s protection measure which will create more accountability in their treatment. California has already been on the forefront of this issue, and this measure will guarantee the highest level of transparency when it comes to our children’s wellbeing.”

SB 1043 moves up

SB 1043 quickly gained traction in the Senate, thanks to Senator from both parties supporting the bill, as well as the bill getting national attention due to a celebrity endorsement from Paris Hilton, who had experienced STRTPs when she was younger. For the last several months, SB 1043 has passed every vote so far, including a 37-0 Senate vote in May. This led to the Assembly Appropriations bill vote on Thursday, where it also passed unanimously.

“I am proud to announce that my bill SB 1043, Accountability in Children’s Treatment, has passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee and is on the way to the floor for a full vote,” noted Grove on Thursday. “When it comes to ensuring accountability and transparency in the care of our most vulnerable children, California must continue to lead the way. I am proud to stand alongside Paris Hilton, a survivor of the troubled teen industry, to advocate for and support children in treatment facilities throughout our state.”

Hilton added, “As someone who has personally endured the trauma and pain inflicted by the troubled teen industry, I know how critical it is to hold these facilities accountable and increase transparency. This legislation is a crucial step toward ensuring that no child has to experience what I went through. I am deeply committed to this cause, and I am honored to support Senator Grove in this fight to protect our most vulnerable children. Thank you, Assemblymember Wicks, and the entire Appropriations Committee, for listening to our stories and standing up for those who need protection the most.”

The bill is expected to both pass the Assembly vote later this month, as well as be signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom next month.

“This bill has something members from both parties want, a low-cost but still very humanitarian plan, and the cherry on top of it is a major celebrity keeping it in the eye of the public,” explained Capitol staffer “Dana” to the Globe on Thursday. “It’s little wonder this transparency bill is doing so well.”

SB 1043 is to be voted on by the Assembly later this month.