*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 |
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.
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.
Police Report
Non Police Incident
Officers made contact with staff who advised one of the youths had gotten on a phone and was playing.
PRLU or OLTC
Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation, Visit Compliance Report
Client was punched in the nose by a peer, causing an immediate nosebleed. Nursing stopped the bleeding and client was sent to the ER for evaluation. ER Diagnosis: Abrasion and swelling of the nose. The aggressor was placed on assaultive level B and line of sight precautions.
Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
Facility visited on 9/6/23 and video reviewed of incident. Licensing observed the peer walk up and start hitting the resident in the head area, and staff were observed separating them and escorting the resident out of the classroom. No licensing concerns noted.
PRLU or OLTC
Acute Placement, Notice of Incident
Client became dysregulated and exhibited continued aggressive behaviors and posturing towards peers and staff. Acute placement was located for [REDACTED] and she was transported via MEMS Non-Emergent Transport. After her treatment at Conway Behavioral Health, it is expected that [REDACTED] will return to The Centers.
PRLU or OLTC
Medical, Notice of Incident
On the afternoon of 8/28/2023, student returned from outdoors to classroom and was noted to be in a “daze” and slow to respond. Client went to the restroom and was found asleep on the bathroom on the toilet paper roll holder. Staff assisted her to a chair. [REDACTED] was transported to ACH ER for further evaluation of altered mental state. ACH completed multiple labs to rule out hypoglycemia, drug use, and other abnormal levels. [REDACTED] was discharged from ACH and returned to The Centers.
Licensing Specialist inquired about resident’s discharge summary. 8/31/2023, Licensing Specialist informed that resident was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe, with psychosis. Licensing Specialist inquired about any information provided for resident’s behavior (daze and falling asleep). Licensing Specialist informed ACH attributed resident’s daze and slow to respond to her mental illness diagnosis. ACH ruled out hypoglycemia and drug use. Possible cause psychosis vs. malingering.
PRLU or OLTC
Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report
Client reported to nurse that a staff member choked her. Client was assessed with no injuries noted. A hotline report was made and accepted for investigation. Staff member was terminated on 8/28/23.
Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
Facility visited on 8/29/23 and interviews conducted. During resident’s interview, she disclosed that she had been in altercations with her peers and staff members. Several staff were interviewed regarding the alleged staff member, with one reporting that the staff member was too direct with the residents, verbally aggressive, and curses at residents. This staff heard a resident tell her family on a phone call of how the staff member had been mean to her.
Facility visited on 9/1/23 and video reviewed. During video review, the staff member was observed pushing a resident out of a bedroom, and pulling resident out of her bedroom to line up for breakfast. Staff was not observed choking resident.
Facility cited 109.1.g: Staff member was observed showing aggression toward residents.
Licensing complaint was unfounded. CACD investigation was found unsubstantiated.
PRLU or OLTC
Visit Compliance Report
Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
Licensing completed buildings and grounds and observed the following areas: Administration hall of EMAC, dorms, rage rooms, dining room areas, common/day areas, comfort corners, grounds, laundry rooms, library, nurse’s station, courtyard, hygiene cabinet, storage closets, and the classroom hall. MARs were reviewed for 5 residents. No licensing concerns noted.
Licensing reviewed 7 personnel files; All complied with the minimum licensing standards.
PRLU or OLTC
Medical, Notice of Incident
On 8/23/2023, client reported experiencing extremely itchy throat following dinner. Client has a fish allergy, however, she was served an alternate meal. APRN ordered oral medication and monitoring at approximately 1715. Centers’ staff later noticed facial swelling and contacted APRN who then ordered IM medication at approximately 1815 and that [REDACTED] be sent to ACH for further evaluation. MEMS transported client to ACH ER at approximately 1900. Once at ACH, medical personnel monitored [REDACTED] for a period of time; No treatment or medications were noted. ACH prescribed [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] returned to The Centers upon resolution of allergic reaction symptoms and medical release from ACH.
PRLU or OLTC
Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report
Complaint received: A staff member was seen on 8/23/23 abusing the children. A resident was drug by her hair into the bathroom by staff member, staff forces resident to wear a diaper, and resident has scratches on her arm. The complaint stated there is camera footage of this. Staff also curses at resident and slaps him in the head.
The hotline was called and report was accepted for investigation. The staff member was suspended pending the investigation.
Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
Facility visited on 8/29/23. Licensing was informed there was no camera footage to review for this incident, as camera footage is only kept for 5 days. During interviews conducted with 4 staff members, no complaints were noted and the Shift Supervisor indicated he did not have the staff member scheduled to work on 8/23/23.
On 10/3/23, licensing informed facility that the ICA for staff can be lifted and staff can return to work with residents once remedial training has been completed and documentation is provided to Licensing (documentation received on 10/5/23).
This complaint was unfounded by Licensing and Crimes against Children Division (CACD).
PRLU or OLTC
Medical, Notice of Incident
On 8/21/2023, client had one episode of coughing up some blood. Centers’ medical personnel assessed [REDACTED] and made the decision to send her to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for further evaluation. Once at ACH, medical personnel conducted several lab tests. [REDACTED] was diagnosed with Hematemesis and Constipation. [REDACTED] was instructed to do a clean out on Saturday and Sunday consisting of Miralax every 1-2 hours for 8 doses each day followed by 1 dose per day for maintenance.