Disability Rights Arkansas

Centers for Youth and Families Little Rock

*Photos taken by DRA staff during onsite monitoring visits. Photos reflect the most recent conditions observed by DRA staff but may not reflect the current conditions at the facility. If you are associated with a facility and have updated information or photos you would like to share, please contact DRA at [email protected]

Location: Little Rock, AR

Population Served: Youth ages 5-18

# of residents per unit: Up to 8 Residents per room: 1-3 Capacity: 82 beds (PRTF and residential)

Contact with family (Calls and visit schedule): Facility declined to provide specifics regarding call frequency or schedule

Restraint utilized? Yes Chemical Restraint utilized? Yes Seclusion utilized? No

Treatment Components

Clinical Director - LCSW

Therapists: Facility declined to identify, report number employed, or share credential status of any therapists.

Treatment modalities offered: Facility declined to identify any specific modalities available.

# of individual therapy sessions/week: Facility declined to provide a number or range.

# of group therapy sessions led by a licensed mental health professional/week: Facility declined to provide a number or range.

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PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation, Visit Compliance Report

On 04/06/2023, client was in his dorm, sitting in a chair when one of his peers walked up and hit him in the right eye with his fist. Staff members immediately separated [redacted] and his peer. A second peer attempted to hit and staff removed him from the dorm. Centers’ medical personnel assessed and noted a small laceration (approximately 0.75′ in length) above his right eye. The laceration was bleeding. Dr. Thomas was notified and gave the order to send to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for further evaluation. Centers’ staff transported to ACH. Once at ACH, medical personnel there conducted Imaging Tests and Visual Acuity Screening, and all returned normal. After client’s medical evaluation at ACH, he was transported back to EMCC.

Licensing Specialist informed ratio was 2:8 with another staff member walking on the dorm during the incident. Two additional staff members responded after the incident. 4/11/23- Program Coordinator requested a copy of the police report from the Little Rock Police Department. On 5/4/23 Program Manager [REDACTED] reviewed camera footage involving AV, 2 other residents, and 3 staff. AV is viewed sitting in a chair. According to [REDACTED], Staff 2 is sitting in a chair next to AV but is not visible to the camera until after the fight begins. Staff 1 can be seen standing speaking to AV and she walks down the hall to help other residents with chores. A resident comes from his bedroom and stands over the AV talking. As Staff 1 moves over towards the boys, AV is hit directly in the face with a closed fist. Before Staff 2 and 3 could respond, a second resident hits AV in the face. Staff 2 that is sitting next to AV stands up and Staff 3 appears on the cameras standing over AV to ensure his safety. AV appears to be holding his right eye/side of his face crying. Staff 3 escorts AV away from the area (according to [REDACTED], AV is taken to the nurse station.) Licensing Specialist: Sharra Singelton-Litzsey.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

On 03/29/2023, it was reported client was left on the dorm unattended. Client was left in bed as the clients transitioned from the dorm to the classroom. The staff member believed to be responsible for leaving on the dorm, was suspended on 3/29/2023. On 3/31/2023, the Program Director was able to determine was left on the dorm unattended for several minutes, and the identity of the staff member responsible. The staff member responsible for leaving on the dorm, who had already been suspended, was terminated on 3/31/2023 due to this incident. On 3/31/2023, this incident was reported to the and the call was accepted. Client was not injured as a result of this incident.

Licensing Narrative: Licensing Specialist reviewed complaint. Licensing Specialist will find out the assigned investigator. 4/4/2023, Licensing Specialist informed the referral was screened out. Licensing Specialist informed that facility was out of ratio (1:8) at the time of the incident. Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Regulations out of compliance: 907.2 – Child caring staff shall be responsible for providing the level of supervision, care, and treatment necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of each child at the facility, taking into account the child’s age, individual differences and abilities,
surrounding circumstances, hazards and risks. 907.3 – Staff/child ratio shall be at least 1:6 during waking hours and 1:8 during sleeping hours.

PRLU or OLTC

Technical Assistance, Visit Compliance Report

  • Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
  • Review of the agency’s current mandated reporter policy revealed a concern with the Licensing Unit. Please ensure facility policy is updated to reflect the need of all staff to report directly to the child abuse hotline without delay. The updated policy shall be submitted to the Licensing Unit by 04/13/23 and all applicable staff shall be retrained on the updated policy within 2 weeks of the enactment of the updated policy.
  • TA –
    • 110.9 – Any owner/operator, employee, foster parent, or volunteer in a child welfare agency shall immediately notify the Child Abuse Hotline if he or she has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to child maltreatment, died as a result of child maltreatment or if they observe a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in child maltreatment.
    • 102.3.h -Child Maltreatment/Mandated Reporter policy; according to Arkansas law, including, procedures to ensure that alleged, suspected, or witnessed incidents of maltreatment are reported to the Child Maltreatment Hotline, and documented as required by these or other applicable rule or laws.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

On 3/29/2023, client told staff she had placed several rubber bands in her right ear and was unable to remove them. Centers medical personnel examined client’s right ear but were unable to remove the foreign object from her ear. Out of an abundance of caution, Dr. Perkins ordered client to be sent to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) for further evaluation. Centers’ staff transported to ACH. Medical personnel at ACH removed two rubber bands from cleint’s right ear. After the rubber bands were removed from client’s ear, she was transported back to EMCC by Centers’ staff.

Licensing Narrative: Licensing Specialist reviewed provider reported incident. Licensing Specialist followed-up with facility on how the resident obtained the rubber bands. Licensing Specialist informed that this incident happened in the classroom and there is no camera footage. The camera in this classroom is not working and a repair ticket has been made. 4/4/2023, Licensing Specialist inquired about a corrective action plan. 4/5/2023, Licensing Specialist informed of ratio during the time of incident 3:14 and informed of the corrective action plan. No other licensing concerns noted.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

On 3/23/2023, client was observed biting and bending his left thumb backwards. Staff intervened and stopped client from harming himself any further. Medical personnel assessed and did not note any visible injury to his left hand. On 3/24/2023, medical personnel assessed client once again and noted he had a slight amount of swelling to his left thumb. Client told staff he ‘really’ injured his thumb on 3/23/23 while playing basketball but did not report it to anyone. Out of an abundance of caution, Centers’ staff transported to Ortho Arkansas for further evaluation. Once at Ortho Arkansas, clients left hand was x-rayed. It was determined he had sustained a [REDACTED] of his left thumb. The left hand/thumb was placed in a cast, and a follow-up appointment at Ortho Arkansas was scheduled for 3/31/2023. After clients medical treatment at Ortho Arkansas, he was transported back to EMCC by Centers’ staff. 4/3/2023, Licensing Specialist followed-up with facility on the outcome of resident’s appointment. 4/4/2023, Licensing Specialist informed that resident refused to keep soft cast on he was placed in a thumb spica cast to prevent him from removing it. No licensing concerns noted.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

On 3/17/2023, client reported she was feeling dizzy and weak. Ms. Mast said she had not eaten much. Ms. Mast was offered all her favorite foods, nutritional shakes and Gatorade but refused them all. Centers medical personnel assessed and Dr. Perkins made the decision to send to Urgent Care for further evaluation. Centers staff transported to Urgent Care. UC medical personnel conducted numerous tests (CBC, metabolic panel, liver panel and EKG) all of which were interpreted as normal. Client was receiving IV fluids, but she began to refuse the treatment and care was stopped. Client was then transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) to continue her treatment. Once at ACH, was treated for by ACH medical personnel. Was admitted and remained at ACH until she was discharged to her guardian on 3/19/2023. Licensing Narrative: Licensing Specialist reviewed provider reported incident. No licensing concerns noted.

Police Report

Non Police Incident

Officers responded in reference to an unknown trouble. Upon arrival, staff advised one of the tenants dialed 911. No further action taken.

PRLU or OLTC

Buildings and Grounds, Visit Compliance Report

  • Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
  • Facility visited from 11am – 12pm. Census: 47.
  • Licensing completed walkthrough of Centers/Destiny House areas: Grounds, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms, hallway, administration hall, and bathrooms. The flooring in the administration hall was being replaced, during which residents are not allowed in the hall. Residents were in class during the walkthrough. No licensing concerns were observed.
  • Licensing completed walkthrough of EMCC areas: Day area, nurse station, North, South, and East Dorms. Licensing observed repairs made due to leak on 12/24/22, and all reconstruction meets the minimum licensing standards. Licensing and staff discussed the process of alternative compliance being removed.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident

  • Peer Altercation
    • Client reported a peer scratched his neck. Nurse noted a superficial scratch to the side of his neck with a slight amount of bleeding. Client reported the peer bit and scratched him, and although the scratch did not appear to be a bite mark, client was transported to the ER. Client was treated for the abrasion on his neck and ointment was applied.
    • Licensing follow-up: Licensing reviewed documentation and observed the scratch to client’s neck (via photo) that appeared to be a long scratch in size and not a bite mark. Client’s peer was placed on assaultive Level B precautions. No licensing concerns noted.

PRLU or OLTC

Licensing Compliance Record, Special Visit

  • Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
  • Facility visited from 1pm – 3pm. Census: 49. Licensing attended CPI training at the facility to ensure staff are being trained according to the facility’s policy on physical restraints, and to ensure the facility’s policy complies with minimum licensing standards.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

  • Acute Placement
    • Client verbalized homicidal and suicidal thoughts and began kicking doors and hitting walls. Client was placed in several ESIs and given an IM injection over the course of several hours. MEMS transported client to the hospital for evaluation, where they are currently attempting to locate an acute placement.
    • Licensing follow-up on 03/07/23: Licensing reviewed camera footage, documentation of restraints, and nursing notes. No licensing concerns noted. Staff reported client did not verbalize a plan. Client is still at the hospital awaiting acute placement, and before this incident, was scheduled to discharge on 03/10/23.

PRLU or OLTC

Buildings and Grounds, Visit Compliance Report

  • Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
  • Facility visited from 8am – 8:45am. Census: 47. Licensing completed walkthrough of Centers/EMCC areas: Day area, nurse station, East, South, and North Dorms. Flooring was replaced in all dorms and bedrooms, the ceiling was repaired, and light fixtures/lights were replaced in the ceilings. Pending: Fire alarms, flooring in nurse station, baseboards. Staff reported the repairs appear to be on track with estimated time of completion.

PRLU or OLTC

Buildings and Grounds, Visit Compliance Report

  • Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
  • Facility visited from 8:45am – 10:15am. EMAC Census: 26. Licensing completed walkthrough of EMAC areas: Treatment hall, dayrooms, comfort room, rage room, hygiene closets, library, bedrooms, bathrooms, cafeteria, sand tray room, art therapy room, nurse station, and grounds. All rooms and areas observed were organized, clean, and free of debris. MARs checked for 5 residents with no concerns noted.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

  • Maltreatment
    • Client reported that a few weeks ago, a staff member tripped over his legs while he was laying on the floor, then stomped on his leg. No marks were seen. Child Abuse Hotline was called and accepted. On 02/22/23, the staff member was placed on suspension pending the investigation.
    • Licensing follow-up: Licensing interviewed residents on 02/24/23. Client involved stated he felt that staff stepped on him on purpose, and stated no other staff were around but 2 peers witnessed the incident. Peer 1 reported she didn’t witness it but overheard the staff member state client tripped her and was fussing at him. Peer 2 stated she witnessed staff step on client and felt the staff member did it on purpose. Licensing spoke with staff members, in which 2 staff reported they did not witness the incident, and 1 staff stated they didn’t remember the incident.
    • On 04/04/23, the case was found unsubstantiated by CACD and unfounded by Licensing.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

  • Medical
    • Client was assessed after he began vomiting and reported feeling nauseous. Staff could not determine the cause and client was transported to the ER. Client was diagnosed with constipation and gastritis at the ER and prescribed MiraLAX and Pepcid.
    • Licensing follow-up: No licensing concerns.

PRLU or OLTC

Acute Placement, Notice of Incident

  • Acute Placement
    • Client was transported to an acute placement due to having suicidal ideations with a clear plan to attempt suicide.
    • Licensing follow-up: Facility reported client’s plan was to choke herself while in the shower. There were no actual attempts by the client, and acute placement was a precautionary measure. No licensing concerns.

PRLU or OLTC

Children's Records Review, Visit Compliance Report

  • Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
  • Facility visited from 2pm – 3:30pm. Census: 49. Licensing reviewed 7 files, and all complied with the minimum licensing standards.

PRLU or OLTC

Personnel Record Review, Visit Compliance Report

  • Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
  • Facility visited from 10:45 am – 3:45 pm. Census: 49. Licensing reviewed 11 personnel files with no licensing concerns noted.

Police Report

False Alarm

Officer responded to an alarm. Upon arrival, staff advised officer that everything was okay and police were not needed.

Police Report

Non Police Incident

Officer responded to assist medical. Prior to arriving on scene, MEMS advised to cancel.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Suicide Attempt

  • Suicide Attempt
    • Client told staff she needed to use the restroom, and when client did not exit the restroom, staff checked on her and found her wrapping a piece of clothing around her neck. Staff removed the shirt and client was assessed by the nurse with no injuries noted. Client was placed on suicide precautions and LOS protocol. After speaking with the client on 01/30/23, staff determined incident should be classified as suicide attempt and client would benefit from acute placement. As of this report, facility is seeking placement.
    • Licensing follow-up: Licensing was informed that acute placement was found for client on 01/30/23 and she was transported by MEMS. No licensing concerns noted.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Sexual Contact, Visit Compliance Report

  • Peer Sexual Contact 1
    • Client reported a peer had put her hands down the front of client’s pants and touched her private parts over her underwear. Client did not provide a date or time, but stated it occurred in the dorm room. Child Abuse Hotline was called and accepted. Peer was placed on sexual precautions and an intensive supervision plan.
    • Licensing follow-up: Licensing was informed no witness statements or video footage are available due to no specific timeframe. Licensing interviewed client and therapist on 02/03/23. Peer was picked up by DCFS on 02/13/23. Staff reported the facility has purchased ligature bedding for all residents, and residents are no longer allowed to have bedding outside of their bedrooms. The CACD case was found unsubstantiated.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Sexual Contact

  • Peer Sexual Contact 2
    • Client reported that 2 peers were touching her on the thighs and private area through her clothes. Client did not provide a date or time, but stated it occurred in the dorm room. Child Abuse Hotline was called and accepted. Peer 1 is on sexual precautions and placed on an intensive supervision plan. Peer 2 was moved to EMAC program and placed on LOS protocol.
    • Licensing follow-up: Licensing received permission from CACD investigator to contact facility. No witness statements or nurse notes available due to no specific timeframe. Licensing interviewed residents and staff on 02/03/23 and collected staff witness statements. Resident was picked up by DCFS on 02/13/23.
    • The CACD case was found unsubstantiated.

PRLU or OLTC

Acute Placement, Notice of Incident

  • Acute Placement
    • Client became dysregulated and aggressive towards staff and peers. Client was placed in multiple restraints and after refusing staff attempts to redirect him, client was transported by MEMS to an acute placement. No injuries were sustained.
    • Licensing follow-up: Staff reported client will be returning to the facility and will be placed on all precautions.