Paris Hilton testified before the House, recounting her traumatic experiences in youth residential treatment facilities, which she likened to 'dog kennels.' Her testimony highlighted the need for federal oversight to protect children in such facilities. The hearing was part of a broader discussion on child welfare, where several representatives, including Rep. Carol Miller, Rep. Ron Estes, and Rep. John Larson, emphasized the importance of improving child welfare programs. Rep. Gwen Moore and Rep. Jason Smith introduced legislation to direct funding towards keeping families together, while Rep. Mike Kelly and Rep. Jimmy Panetta discussed the critical role of faith-based organizations and the need for oversight in youth residential treatment centers. Rep. Jimmy Gomez and Rep. Beth Van Duyne thanked Paris Hilton for her advocacy, stressing the importance of protecting vulnerable children in the foster care system. Rep. Carol Miller highlighted the Title IV-B Program and the Court Improvement Program, while Rep. John Larson introduced a bipartisan bill to fund Family Resource Centers, which serve 13,000 CT residents. Rep. Darin LaHood emphasized the role of employment in foster care as the Work and Welfare Subcommittee Chair.
Hilton’s testimony reveals harrowing experiences in youth residential facilities. | By @gitanjalipoonia https://t.co/84XzJalFJL
The entertainment mogul recounted her experience of alleged abuse at youth residential treatment facilities before the House, urging Congress to enact federal oversight over such facilities. https://t.co/zWfFcmH9Pb
We have an obligation to protect our nation’s most vulnerable, including children in the foster care system. Thank you, @ParisHilton, for joining @WaysandMeansGOP yesterday to share your experience and discuss ideas to protect our youth from abusive and dangerous environments. https://t.co/1wes9Av3dY
Thank you @ParisHilton for sharing your story @WaysMeansCmte and using your platform to advocate for kids. If we want to ensure every child’s well-being, we must pass policies that uplift families. The enhanced Child Tax Credit reduces child poverty and is a good way to start. https://t.co/B71FeNkGPy
We need proper oversight over youth residential treatment centers to protect the safety of the children in their care. In the Ways & Means Committee, I discussed bipartisan legislation to coordinate the federal government’s role in safeguarding the wellbeing of foster youth. https://t.co/NqveHWJDPQ
At our @WaysandMeansGOP on child welfare, I emphasized the value of work and the important role employment plays in bolstering our foster care system. As Work and Welfare Subcommittee Chair, we will continue in our efforts to support and safeguard the well-being of children. https://t.co/kv2QRq52xz
Every child deserves a safe and loving home. By modernizing child welfare programs, we can help protect children from abuse and neglect. Watch my questions and comments from yesterday's @WaysandMeansGOP hearing. https://t.co/arqPNZs6t5
Faith-based organizations play an extraordinary role in caring for our nation’s most vulnerable children. Millions of Americans are better off today because of their noble work. Learn more about my legislation and yesterday's @WaysandMeansGOP hearing⬇️ https://t.co/wvnNEnhQbg
For decades, we've funded the child welfare system with a focus on paying for the care of children when they are placed in the system — not on avoiding the system to begin with. This legislation introduced with @RepJasonSmith would direct funding to help keep families together. https://t.co/sQDxCQEKP6
For decades, we've funded the child welfare system with a focus on paying for the care of children when they are place in the system — not on avoiding the system to begin with. This legislation introduced with @RepJasonSmith would direct funding to help keep families together. https://t.co/mQHNQx6uCJ
I introduced a bipartisan bill with @RepMikeCarey to create a pathway for Family Resource Centers to directly receive federal funding. I worked with Dr. Ed Zigler on FRCs when I was in the CT Senate, and today, they serve 13,000 CT residents with childcare and other services! https://t.co/LhzO9N67yA
If parents can't care for their child, every effort should be made to place the child with another family member who can safely care for them. Thanks to yesterday's @WaysandMeansGOP witnesses for their powerful stories and expertise on how we can improve the kinship care process. https://t.co/ju8gxh4ClS
ICYMI: The Title IV-B Program & the Court Improvement Program offers hope for children to find loving homes. In a @WaysandMeansGOP hearing, I highlighted the need to allow flexibilities within these programs, which will benefit legal personnel, families, & children. https://t.co/b0WRkJ4LqL
🎥 WATCH: Paris Hilton has described her traumatic experience in youth care facilities, likening them to “dog kennels” https://t.co/RoDao3sLST