Katie Silver advocates for regulations after son's death in Utah care facility

In a poignant session of the House Health and Human Services Committee on March 4, 2025, the tragic story of Baruch Silver, a 17-year-old who died in a Utah residential treatment facility, was shared by his mother, Katie Silver. Her testimony highlighted severe deficiencies in the care provided to vulnerable youth in such facilities, sparking urgent discussions about the need for legislative reform.

Katie Silver recounted the harrowing experiences of her son, who had faced significant trauma before being placed in a treatment facility. Despite his struggles, Baruch was described as a joyful and loving child. However, his time at Discovery Ranch turned into a nightmare, marked by neglect and abuse. Katie revealed that Baruch had communicated suicidal thoughts to his psychiatrist weeks before his death, yet these warnings went unheeded. The facility was later found to have violated suicide prevention protocols, yet it continues to operate.

This heart-wrenching testimony underscored the necessity for stronger oversight and accountability in youth residential programs. In response, Senator McHale introduced a bill aimed at establishing an ombudsman for youth in care, ensuring that families have advocates to address concerns about treatment facilities. The proposed legislation seeks to implement basic protections that would have potentially saved Baruch's life, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent similar tragedies.

The committee also heard from Caroline Lawson, a representative from Paris Hilton's social impact organization, who echoed the call for reform. She emphasized that the current system fails to protect children and that the proposed bill is a crucial step toward ensuring safe and effective treatment for youth.

In addition to the discussions surrounding Baruch's case, the committee reviewed several other bills aimed at improving mental health care and oversight in Utah. These included measures to enhance transparency in health insurance pre-authorization processes and to streamline background checks for employees in congregate care facilities.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members expressed a commitment to advancing legislation that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children in care. The emotional testimonies and the urgent need for reform highlighted a critical moment in Utah's legislative efforts to protect its most vulnerable residents. The anticipated next steps include further discussions and potential amendments to the proposed bills, with a focus on ensuring that no family has to endure the heartbreak experienced by the Silvers.