Heiress and media personality, Paris Hilton has this month shown outstanding support for the cause of Elijah Goldman, a 17-year-old boy from Michigan who was allegedly abandoned in Jamaica by his adoptive parents after his boarding school was closed due to serious abuse allegations.

Abandoned and Alone

Mark and Spring Goldman, adoptive parents from Roosevelt, Michigan, reportedly left the young man, originally adopted from Haiti, stranded in Jamaica after the troubled-teen boarding school they sent him to was closed. The teenager was subsequently moved between Jamaican group homes for a period of seven months before returning to the United States early this September. The Goldmans were notably absent at his arrival.

Call for Help

Upon hearing of his ordeal, Hilton, among others, voiced her support and concern by reaching out to her social media followers for help. She posted a link to a detailed account of Elijah’s traumatic experience and pushed her audience to “provide resources” for the boy.

Hilton, who herself had been sent to a series of youth residential treatment centers during her teen years, has become an influential voice against child abuse in recent years. Earlier this year, she visited Jamaica in response to shocking allegations concerning the treatment of children at the Atlantic Leadership Facility, a school located in Treasure Beach, Jamaica.

A Damning Indictment

During a press conference in Jamaica, Hilton revealed the horrific claims made by seven adolescent American boys who had attended the school. She detailed accounts of inhumane punishments inflicted on these children, including being stripped naked, beaten, whipped, and even waterboarded. She also noted that the facility staff would rub a mixture of bleach and salt into the children’s wounds to inflict further pain and suffering.

Yet, even with the closure of the facility, the drama did not end for young Elijah. He was the only one of the boys who did not return to the United States. The inaction of his parents has led to unsurprising hurt and disappointment. He is quoted as saying, “I appreciate them for bringing me to the U.S., but they abandoned me. I’m staying strong, but it hurts.”

Determined to Find Safety

With legal battles looming, hopeful signs emerged last Wednesday when word came that a foster parent was willing to welcome Elijah. The retired schoolteacher, referred to only as “Teri”, immediately offered to take the boy in. The offer still awaits state approval, but she backed her decision saying it was “just the right thing to do”.

Paris Hilton and other devoted advocates aren’t stopping their quest to ensure a safe and supportive environment for this wronged teen. Their continuous fight shines a light on the urgent need for reform in child welfare systems and oversight of adoption processes. This level of commitment, including the selfless actions of people like Teri, is certainly a step towards justice for Elijah and the countless others in similarly unbearable circumstances.