Disability Rights Arkansas

Centers for Youth and Families Little Rock

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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

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.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

On 8/15/2023, clients [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] refused to allow Centers’ medical personnel to draw their blood for necessary lab tests. When all efforts to draw their blood failed, [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] were transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) to complete the Phlebotomy in the safest way possible. Once at ACH, medical personnel completed the blood draw on both clients without incident.

Police Report

Non Police Incident

Upon officers arrival, all staff advised they did not know of any incident going on.

Police Report

Complainant Not Located

Officers responded in reference to a battery call. Upon arrival, officers were not able to locate the complainant.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

On 8/14/2023, client became dysregulated and began to punch walls with her right hand. Centers’ medical personnel assessed [REDACTED] and noted her right hand was moderately swollen. Centers’ staff transported [REDACTED] to Ortho AR for further evaluation. Once at Ortho AR, medical personnel X-rayed [REDACTED]’s right hand and determined there were NO fractures present.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation

Client reported to staff that he was bitten by a peer. Nurse assessed and noted a human bite on his right upper torso with bruising to area. On 8/11/23, the area was red and slightly swollen. Client was transported to the ER for further evaluation. ER Diagnosis: Human bite. Client was prescribed medication to take for 10 days.
Licensing was informed there is no camera footage of this incident (timeframe and location of incident is unknown). Both residents were separated and will remain in separate dorms.

Police Report

Battery

Officers responded in reference to a battery report. Upon arrival, juvenile stated her and a peer were in an argument over a blanket which belongs to the facility. During this, the peer hit and bit juvenile causing injury to her left wrist. Staff advised they just needed a report made and would handle the situation.

Police Report

Battery

Officers responded in reference to a battery report. Upon arrival, juvenile stated her and a peer were in an argument over a rumor about a staff member touching her, which juvenile states is not true. During this, the peer hit juvenile causing injury to her mouth and chin area. Staff advised they just needed a report made and would handle the situation.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

On 8/10/2023, client began vomiting and the emesis appeared bright red in color. Centers’ medical personnel assessed [REDACTED] and made the decision to send her to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) for further evaluation. Once at ACH, medical personnel conducted several lab tests and imaging scans, none of which were abnormal. [REDACTED] did show to have a lower-than-normal blood count, so the decision was made to admit her into ACH for further testing and observation. As of this report, [REDACTED] is still a patient at ACH and remains in stable condition.
On 8/14/23, Licensing Specialist inquired if resident was still a patient at ACH. Licensing Specialist informed resident is still inpatient at ACH with possible discharge today.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

On 8/09/2023, client had one episode of vomiting that appeared to contain 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, none of which were abnormal. [REDACTED] was diagnosed with Hematemesis. [REDACTED] was instructed to take Pepcid twice a day for 14 days.

Police Report

Battery

Officers responded in reference to a battery report. Upon arrival, staff advised she was attacked by juvenile without provocation and displayed her left arm with deep scratches present. Officers spoke with juvenile who stated she was frustrated and acted out. The staff member involved was advised to contact the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation, Visit Compliance Report

On 8/08/2023, client was involved in a physical altercation with a peer when the peer kicked her in the mouth. Centers’ medical personnel assessed and noted she was bleeding from her bottom lip. [REDACTED] was also complaining of jaw pain. [REDACTED] was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) for further evaluation. Once at ACH, medical personnel conducted several imaging tests, all of which showed no abnormalities. [REDACTED] and her peer have both been placed on Assaultive Precautions.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice
Facility visited and video reviewed on 8/16/23. Ratio 2:7 at time of incident. Licensing observed peer kick resident in the mouth; The 2 staff members intervened and escorted the resident off the unit. No issues noted by Licensing.

Police Report

Disturbance

Officers responded to facility in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, staff advised the children were playing on the phone and they no longer needed police action taken.

Police Report

Battery

Officers responded to facility to prevent a disturbance. Juvenile’s guardian advised she had received a call from the facility regarding juvenile being in a fight the day before, and received a call from the nurse hours later who advised the juvenile was stating the incident involved a staff member. Juvenile’s guardian responded to the location to pick up juvenile due to the incident that they failed to inform her of until a day later.
Officers spoke with the juvenile who stated the staff member had another juvenile fight him while the staff member restrained him. Juvenile advised he punched the staff member out of self-defense, and the staff member then escorted him to the bathroom and punched him twice in the face and began to choke him. Officers observed juvenile had a black eye. Officers advised juvenile’s guardian on process of seeking warrants, and a child abuse report was made.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation

Client was reportedly struck in his nose by a peer. Centers’ medical personnel assessed [REDACTED] and noted the bridge of his nose was swollen and purple. [REDACTED] was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) for further evaluation. Once at ACH, medical personnel conducted several imaging scans of [REDACTED], and it was determined there were NO fractures present.
Licensing Specialist informed by Director of Risk Management, that resident was not struck by a peer. Resident fell on the playground and hit his face (nose) on the ground. The nurse’s note indicated there were two (2) different incidents. Resident hit his peer and neither were injured. Both residents were placed on assaultive precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

On 8/4/23, client reported a staff member hit him in the left eye with his fist on the evening of 8/3/23. Nurse assessed and noted a purple bruise under his left eye. This was reported to the hotline and accepted for investigation. The staff member was suspended pending his termination.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
Facility visited on 8/8/23 and camera footage reviewed. Licensing observed 2 staff separate resident and peer that were in an altercation. After the peer was removed from the dorm, the resident was observed running toward the staff member, who then grabbed the resident in a choke hold position and pushed him into the bathroom. Another staff member then entered the dorm, and both staff entered the bathroom and the door was shut. Licensing did not observe any other staff members in the dorm during this time (about 7 minutes). After both staff exited the bathroom, the staff member and a peer entered the bathroom and shut the door for about 5 minutes. After this, the staff member can be seen entering and exiting the bathroom several times with the door shut until both he and the resident exited. The resident was in the bathroom for about 52 minutes.

Licensing founded this complaint. Crimes Against Children Division (CACD) investigation found true. Staff member was terminated on 8/7/23.
Regs out of compliance –

  • 109.1.g: Staff member engaged in behavior that could be viewed as physically harmful to children.
  • 905.4.g: Staff member used disciplinary actions that could cause physical injury or threat of bodily harm.
  • 907.2: Residents were left unsupervised while 2 staff members were in the bathroom with a resident.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigator informed facility of an accepted report to the hotline involving a resident at Centers. Resident’s foster parent contacted the hotline after resident reported a staff member pushed him to the ground, then held him to the ground by his throat. Staff member has been suspended pending the investigation outcome.
Licensing requested staff member’s work schedule from 7/23/23 to the date he was suspended. Facility advised camera footage would not be available for this incident as it is only kept for 5 days. Resident was last restrained on 7/10/23. Licensing received staff member witness statement.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
Licensing visited facility on 8/16/23 and interviewed resident. Resident stated he hit the staff member because he was upset, and the staff then put his arm on resident’s neck and chest. Resident reported 2 other staff members were present when this occurred, one of which was terminated on 8/7/23 (not related to this incident).
Licensing was informed by DCFS investigator that there was no staff member named in this complaint. This complaint was unfounded by Licensing and Crimes Against Children Division (CACD).

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

On 7/31/2023, Centers was informed of a maltreatment allegation against Centers’ employee, [REDACTED] is employed at the centers as a QBHP and is assigned to EMAC. Staff involved has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Alleged Victim informed staff today that she “knew one of the employees from outside of centers.” Staff asked if they had sex before; client shook her head yes and stated “yeah, we used to be together.” Client stated he easily gets mad about things and had thrown things at her in the past.

Licensing narrative:

  • Licensing Specialist reviewed complaint. Licensing received permission to contact the facility.
  • 8/2/2023 – Licensing Specialist informed no other complaints were made on staff member. Licensing Specialist inquired about documentation of staff member’s suspension.
  • 8/7/2023 – Licensing checked that appropriate checks were ran and approved. Due to the sensitive nature of the report and discrepancy in names given by the alleged victim, licensing will follow up with investigator for information disclosed during interviews.
  • 9/1/2023 – Licensing Specialist contacted investigator for an update. Licensing Specialist spoke with investigator who informed Licensing Specialist that the case was found unsubstantiated. Paperwork for closure will be submitted on 9/5/2023.
  • The complaint was unfounded by Licensing. Facility was instructed to contact Licensing when a staff member is scheduled to return to work after approval of an ICA (standard 110.10).

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

On 7/29/2023, client chipped her tooth while eating chicken strips. Although there was no swelling to her mouth, client reported she was in extreme pain. Centers’ medical personnel assessed client and made the decision to send her to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) for further evaluation. Once at ACH, medical personnel there examined client and determined she had sustained a broken tooth and would need to follow up with a dentist on Monday. After client’s evaluation, she was transported back to EMAC. Centers’ medical personnel continued to monitor until she was taken to a dentist (Leap kids) today, 7/31/2023. 8/2/2023, Licensing Specialist informed resident is scheduled for a root canal on 8/25/2023.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

On 7/28/2023, client intentionally punched the wall to harm her hand. Centers’ medical personnel assessed client’s hand and made the decision to send her to Ortho Arkansas for further evaluation. Once at Ortho Arkansas, medical personnel there examined and determined there were no fractures present. After client’s evaluation at Ortho Arkansas, she was transported back to EMAC.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

On 7/27/2023, client tripped and hit her right hand/Wrist on the wall. Centers’ medical personnel assessed client and observed she had minimal bruising and swelling to the right wrist area. Client was treated with frequent ice packs to her right hand and given ibuprofen/Tylenol for any pain. Client’s guardian was notified about this incident. On 7/28/2023, continued to complain about the pain in her right wrist, so out of an abundance of caution, she was transported to Ortho Arkansas for further evaluation. Once at Ortho Arkansas, medical personnel there examined client and diagnosed her with contusions to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th metacarpals of the right hand. After client’s evaluation at Ortho Arkansas, she was transported back to EMAC by centers’ staff. Licensing narrative: Licensing Specialist was informed of provider reported incident. 8/1/2023, Licensing Specialist reviewed provider reported incident for licensing concerns. Licensing Specialist will inquire about what the resident tripped over. 8/2/2023, Licensing Specialist informed that resident tripped over her feet while trying to get away from an altercation.

Police Report

Battery

Officers made contact with staff member at facility. The staff member stated that while doing her regular counseling with juvenile, the juvenile got mad at her and proceeded to punch her in the stomach and slap her in the head. The staff member stated she had to get security to subdue the juvenile and put her in confinement. Officer advised the staff member to speak with the Juvenile Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation, Visit Compliance Report

On 7/27/2023, client became involved in a physical altercation with one of her peers. Staff immediately reacted to the incident and separated and her peer. During the altercation, client’s right foot was injured. Centers’ medical personnel assessed client’s right foot and noted the foot was swollen. Out of an abundance of caution, centers’ staff transported client to Ortho Arkansas for further evaluation. Once at Ortho Arkansas, medical personnel there conducted x-Rays of client’s right foot and determined there was a fracture. Client was directed to wear a walking boot on her right foot for three to four weeks. Client will have a follow-Up appointment at Ortho Arkansas in seven to ten days. After client’s evaluation at Ortho Arkansas, she was transported back to EMAC. Centers’ medical staff will continue to monitor condition. Client’s guardian was notified about this incident. Client and the peer involved in this incident will not be housed in the same dorm moving forward. Client reported that a staff member stepped on her foot during the altercation; however, after video review of the incident, it is unclear how client injured her foot (Did staff or client step on it or did she hit it on something). Licensing narrative: Licensing Specialist spoke with director of risk management regarding ELS case#[REDACTED]. Licensing Specialist reviewed camera footage of provider reported incident. Licensing Specialist observed residents and staff members in a classroom, ratio 2:6. Resident that injured her foot was observed walking around the classroom and walked toward the classroom doorway. Minutes later, Licensing Specialist observed resident get off the floor and walked toward where the staff and two (2) residents were sitting. Resident was observed walking behind a peer near staff and slapped her peer in the back of her head. Staff was observed getting up from their chairs and separated the two (2) residents. During the altercation, Licensing Specialist was unable to determined how resident injured her foot due to staff and peers surrounded around the residents. Resident was observed looking at her foot and limping around the classroom. Licensing Specialist observed resident limp toward the doorway of the classroom and kick the wall. Resident then limped to a desk where she sat down. Licensing Specialist observed the nurse enter the classroom and assess the resident’s foot. Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist conducted an annual review of policies and procedures for the centers. Ms. Abby Jenkins assisted Licensing Specialist with the review. Policies and procedures for the centers complied with minimum licensing standards.