The revocation of Provo Canyon School's operating licence by Utah state regulators marks a significant step towards accountability for the troubled teen institution. Paris Hilton, who has been a vocal critic of the school, welcomed the decision, stating that it confirms what survivors have long known: that children were subjected to abuse, neglect, and trauma within its walls.
The licence was revoked due to multiple instances of non-compliance, including the use of unnecessary restraint, aggressive physical contact, and neglect, dating back to 2025. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) cited the school's failure to provide applicable health and safety services for clients, leading to the cancellation of its residential treatment licence.
Provo Canyon School, which describes itself as an intensive psychiatric youth residential treatment centre for girls aged 12 to 18, has been at the centre of controversy for decades. With a 15-day window to challenge this decision, school officials have stated that they are 'evaluating all available legal and administrative options, including an appeal'. They insist their priority remains providing safe, high-quality care and support for adolescents and their families.
The licence revocation follows a series of complaints lodged by former residents last month with the state's licensing agency. Health officials had already imposed temporary restrictions on the school's boys' campus in Provo due to staff failing to protect a boy during an altercation, leading to an inquiry that found they did not promptly seek medical attention for his injuries.
Paris Hilton spent nearly a year at the Springville facility in the 1990s and has since become a prominent advocate against the 'troubled teen industry'. She testified before Congress about her experiences and has been instrumental in helping to enact legislation aimed at protecting young people from private, for-profit centres. Her advocacy is expected to continue, with many of the survivors who have come forward sharing similar allegations of physical and emotional abuse.
The UK may not directly be affected by this development, but it highlights concerns about child protection and welfare in private institutions worldwide. As Britain continues to grapple with its own issues regarding boarding school safety and accountability, the international community is taking note of these worrying trends and the need for greater regulation.