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

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

While in a therapy session (EMCC), client verbalized, “I want to go home. I want to go to an adoption home. I am sick of being here. They are mean to me.” MHP asked the client who “they” were, and client reported a staff member always picks on him and had punched him. The client indicated to MHP that his mouth was really hurting. The client indicated, “[staff] punched me last week in the mouth and I got really upset.” The alleged event occurred sometime between September 25 and October 2, there is no camera footage or other information on this event. No injuries or bruising observed to client at the time of the evaluation. Child Abuse Hotline was called and accepted. Staff suspended.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Licensing Specialist interviewed 3 residents on 11/14/23. None of the residents described staff as being rude or mean.

CACD investigation was unsubstantiated. This complaint has been unfounded by Licensing. Facility inquired about having the ICA lifted and stated that staff member would receive remedial CPI training.

PRLU or OLTC

Complaint, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Licensing received complaint: Centers for Youth and Families (EMCC) is out of compliance when it comes to staff/student ratio (3pm to 11pm shift). There are only three staff members and over 25 children.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Licensing completed unannounced visit on 10/3/23. On 10/4/23, licensing inquired about staff working on 10/3/23 beginning the 3pm shift and requested the work schedule. Licensing Specialist requested Q15s/Observation Logs for 10/2/2023, 10/3/2023, 10/7/2023, and 10/8/2023. Some observation logs were signed off during the increment timeframe. Licensing Specialist will continue to monitor this complaint.

Licensing completed unannounced visit on 11/7/23. On 11/8/23, licensing requested print out for the 3pm to 11pm shift and inquired about which QBHP’s were scheduled to work at EMCC. Licensing Specialist received clock in times of staff members that worked on 11/7/2023. No licensing concerns noted.

This complaint is unfounded by Licensing.

PRLU or OLTC

Acute Placement, Notice of Incident

Client was transported to Acute (Pinnacle) for unsafe behavior. Client displayed behaviors such as property destruction and assaultive behaviors during staff interventions.

10/10/23 – Licensing Specialist informed that resident returned to the facility from acute care on yesterday (10/9/23) afternoon. Facility received intent training on 10/2/23 on reporting incidents.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Buildings and grounds completed from 5:15pm – 6:15pm. Areas observed: Dorms, dining room, administration hall, grounds, day area, and nurse’s station. Ratios and observation sheets were observed. On the East Dorm, staff informed licensing that some residents were moved to the day area to stay in ratio on the dorms.

MARs reviewed for 5 residents. No licensing concerns noted during visit.

Police Report

False or Unfounded Call

Officers responded to facility for a 911 hang up. Upon arrival, a nurse advised the caller was upset they would not feed her dinner early. Officers made contact with caller who advised she was okay and called because she was angry.

Police Report

Non Police Incident

Officers stood by while juvenile was transported by MEMS to Pinnacle Pointe.

Police Report

Battery

Officers made contact with staff who advised juvenile was redirected for being disruptive and became physically violent. Staff stated the juvenile pulled her hair, scratched, kicked, and punched her. Staff refused MEMS and was advised to contact the prosecutor if she wanted to press charges.

Police Report

Information Report

Officers made contact with staff who advised a child was playing on the phone. No further police action taken.

PRLU or OLTC

Complaint, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Licensing received complaint from DCFS worker: Staff out of ratio. Provoking children to have behaviors. Making children sleep in the day area due to allegations from the children’s roommates that were not first investigated. No additional supervision due to lack of staff.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

DCFS worker informed licensing she was unable to put all that she witnessed and was informed of into the provided box when making the complaint. A full narrative of the complaint was sent to licensing via email. DCFS Worker informed Licensing Specialist that the Director of Residential has been made aware of her concerns.

Licensing inquired about type of behaviors displayed by a resident to be assigned to sleep in the dayroom. Facility provided examples: Sexual acting out (active behaviors or a true finding) or self harm that would require a resident be placed on line of sight at all times. The facility also has all of their residents on all precautions for their first 30 days to ensure safety while the facility learns more about the resident.

This complaint has been unfounded by Licensing.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

Client began not feeling well and having body aches, and was seen by medical staff at EMAC. Client was recommended to go to Arkansas Childrens Hospital. Diagnosis: Cellulitis, a soft tissue infection. Client prescribed Clindamycin. Client has follow up appointment on 10/2/23.

10/3/23 – Licensing Specialist informed resident’s birth control implant was removed from her arm at her follow-up appointment.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Client reported during his session with his therapist that a staff member slapped him across the face. He stated that she was upset because he was on the computer. The Centers reported it to the hotline and staff was suspended until the outcome of the investigation. Client was evaluated by medical staff, there were no marks on his face at the time of the eval.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Facility informed licensing that camera footage is not available for this alleged incident, and that staff was never left alone with resident and there was three other staff members in the classroom. Licensing reviewed witness statements and interviewed 6 residents regarding this complaint. None of the residents had complaints regarding the staff member.

CACD investigation was unsubstantiated. This complaint has been unfounded by Licensing. Facility inquired about having the ICA lifted and stated that staff member would receive remedial CPI training. On 11/27/23, licensing informed facility that staff member could return and training documentation is not needed.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

Client began feeling bad after eating breakfast and nursing staff noted her blood pressure was high. Client was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). Client was admitted to ACH for further evaluation.

Staff informed Licensing Specialist that resident returned to the facility on 10/3/23.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

Client was taken to the nurse’s station due to right foot pain and stated that he could not feel his foot but that it hurt. The nurse noted that there was no swelling and placed an ice pack on the foot. Client stated he did not know how the injury occurred. Client was given Ibuprofen per standing orders and a mobile X-ray was conducted on 9/28/23. No fracture was noted from two different views.

Facility received intent training on when and what to report regarding provider reported incidents. Facility will not be cited for late reporting.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Suicide Attempt, Visit Compliance Report

Client began attempting to destroy property, trying to tie garments around his neck, and voiced suicidal ideation. Client then rolled an ottoman into his bedroom and placed it on his bed. The staff got client off the bed and took him back into the common room, where he attempted to fight with the staff and was placed into a physical hold. Client was released from the hold after approximately 10 minutes. Client was placed on suicidal and assault precautions.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Facility received intent training on when and what to report regarding provider reported incidents. Facility will not be cited for late reporting. Licensing visited facility on 10/4/23 and reviewed camera footage. Staff were observed intervening each time resident placed clothing around his neck.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Chelsea Vardell.

Licensing met with facility staff to discuss concerns regarding recent compliance with the Minimum Licensing Standards. The facility reported new strategies to improve their compliance and services:

– Two staff hired to work directly with reporting and tracking compliance with different regulatory agencies.

– A new staff training position was created and filled to work directly with staff across all shifts.

– Changed who is responsible for interviewing potential candidates for their direct care staff.

– Updated the preferred requirements for their direct care staff to include a bachelor’s degree.

Licensing will continue to monitor the facility and encouraged staff to attend the upcoming CWARB (Child Welfare Agency Review Board) meeting so they can discuss their plans on how to regain compliance.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

Client was playing basketball and re-injured her right fractured knee (she fractured her knee during an incident on 9/7/23). Client was transported to Ortho Arkansas to be further evaluated and later returned to facility.

Licensing Specialist was informed that resident is scheduled for an MRI at ACH (Arkansas Children’s Hospital) on 10/2/23. Physician did not place resident on any restrictions.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

Client began complaining of abdominal pain and stated that it was her cyst. After client was taken to the nurse’s station, she went to the restroom and vomited. The nurse administered medication, but client’s pain persisted and she was taken to ACH (Arkansas Children’s Hospital). The physician notes stated all labs and ultrasounds were conducted with no abnormalities found. Client was given a shot of Toradol and was able to drink and eat with no issues at the hospital. Client returned to facility.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

On 9/14/23, client became agitated and began hitting the wall in the cafeteria. Staff were able to redirect the client and calm her down. A mobile X-ray was conducted and did not indicate any fractures. On 9/14/23, The client was observed by EMAC staff having syncope episode. She had two syncopal episodes within the last two days. On 9/15/23, client would not eat or drink and was transferred to ACH (Arkansas Children’s Hospital) for evaluation for syncopal episode, potential adventitious heart sounds, suspected dehydration, and hypotension. ACH diagnoses: Hypotension, altered mental status, dizziness, decreased appetite and hand injury to right hand. Client returned to facility.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

While in the rage room, client was wearing boxing gloves and punching the punching bag, the punching dummy (Bob), the grappling dummy on the floor, and also punched the padded wall. After approximately 10 minutes, staff took client to the nurse’s station for examination. Client was then transported to ACH (Arkansas Children’s Hospital). Client’s wrist and hand was X-rayed and a follow-up appointment was scheduled with the fracture clinic.

Licensing Specialist was informed client’s hand was not fractured according to ACH.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

Client was observed having syncope episodes on 9/8/23, after which client was monitored by nursing staff. After breakfast on 9/9/23, client went to her bedroom and was witnessed fainting onto her bed. Nursing staff noted vitals were normal. Client was transported to ACH (Arkansas Children’s Hospital) for evaluation; No injuries or medical abnormalities were noted.

Licensing Specialist inquired if ACH provided a diagnosis. Licensing Specialist informed resident’s diagnosis: lightheadedness.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation, Visit Compliance Report

Client threw a styrofoam food tray at a peer after a verbal altercation. Staff was able to deflect the tray from hitting the peer. Client appeared to injure her knee while throwing the tray. Client then got up and attempted to knee the peer, but kneed the wall (possibly when fracture occurred). Client was transferred to ACH (Arkansas Children’s Hospital) and diagnosed with a dislocated and fractured knee. The residents were not placed on any safety precautions.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Licensing visited facility and reviewed camera footage on 9/12/23. Staff members were observed intervening each time the resident attempted to attack peer and kept the residents separated.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Licensing reviewed 4 children’s files and MARs for 5 residents. All complied with the minimum licensing standards.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Staff member was trying to force client to take a shower after client refused. Client punched the staff member in the face, and the staff member then struck the student in the head (it’s unclear on the exact action that took place). The staff member immediately left the facility of his own free will and sent a text message to staff stating he was sorry for what had occurred, but he needed to remove himself from the premises. No one has spoken with the staff member since the incident. No other staff member was present at the time of the incident. Abrasions were observed to the top of the client’s head.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Licensing visited facility on 9/7/23 and viewed camera footage. Licensing was unable to observed what took place in the bathroom due to there being no camera. The resident was observed rubbing his head when exiting the bathroom. Based on camera review, the facility was cited for the following regulations:

– 109.1.g: Staff member held the door closed and used his body to block the resident from leaving the bathroom.

– 905.4.g: Staff member prevented resident from leaving the bathroom for not wanting to complete hygiene.

– 907.2: Staff member was behind a closed door leaving other residents unsupervised.

The complaint was founded by Licensing and documentation of staff member’s official termination was requested. CACD case was found unsubstantiated.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Client flipped over a picnic table and went under the slide while on the playground. Staff 2 attempted to catch client when he began running from under the slide, then chased client to the fence where it appeared that client was pinned against the fence by Staff 2. Staff 1 then grabbed client and drug him approximately 20-30 feet across the ground by his left arm. Once near the building, client began running towards an inside corner of the building and Staff 1 began chasing client. Both went out of camera view. Client then hit the building with his left arm and appeared to be holding the arm when he came back into camera view. Client was assessed by nursing staff and taken to Ortho Arkansas to be treated. Client was taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital and an x-ray determined client’s left wrist was fractured. The Child Abuse Hotline was called and accepted.

The facility reported to Licensing that the two staff members involved, plus an additional third staff member that was present and did not intervene were terminated as of 9/6/23.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Licensing visited the facility on 9/7/23 and reviewed camera footage. Based on camera review, the following regulations were cited:

– 109.1.g: Staff members displayed unprofessional conduct toward resident.

– 905.4.g: Staff member used her body while resident was against the fence. Staff member pulled resident from the fence and pulled him by the arm across the playground.

– 905.9: Staff members were observed using force toward resident by having resident against the fence and pulling his arm.

The complaint was founded by Licensing. CACD case was found substantiated. Licensing Specialist was provided with staff members termination documentation.

Police Report

Non Police Incident

Officers made contact with 2 individuals who advised police were not needed.