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

On 4/28/2023, client became dysregulated and was being aggressive towards staff. Staff member [REDACTED] was attempting to verbally deescalate when client pushed and attempted to punch her. [REDACTED] pushed back and grabbed her up around the neck area. A staff member immediately separated and client was assessed by Centers’ medical personnel and no injuries were noted. Client reported she had no pain or complaints because of this incident. This incident was reported to the [REDACTED] and the reported allegation was accepted (Referral # ). Staff was suspended (On 4/28) pending her termination.

5/4/2023, Program Manager visited the facility.

5/30/2023, Licensing Specialist inquired about the assigned investigator. Licensing Specialist informed that referral was screened out.

5/31/2023, Licensing Specialist followed-up with facility.

6/1/2023, Licensing Specialist informed staff member was terminated on 5/2/2023.

Regulations out of compliance: 109.1.g – Unprofessional conduct in the practice of child welfare activities shall include, but not limited to the following: Engaging in behavior that could be viewed as sexual, dangerous, exploitative, or physically harmful to children. 905.4.g – The following actions shall not be used, including as discipline: Physical injury or threat of bodily harm.

Police Report

Battery, Battery Third Degree, Resident Injury

Staff advised officers that 2 juveniles were in a physical altercation. Staff advised J1 fainted, and officers observed a knot to the back of his head. J1 stated J2 took a basketball from him, then threw it at him after J1 asked for it back; J1 stated J2 then pushed him to the ground and kicked him in his head. J2 stated J1 was trying to get the basketball and J2 threw it on the ground, causing it to bounce and hit J1; J2 stated J1 then grabbed his leg and began to bite him and J2 kicked J1 in the head to get him off. No injuries observed on J2. Major Crimes notified; No further action taken.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation

On 4/24/2023, client and client became involved in a verbal argument while playing outside on the playground. Centers’ staff immediately separated the two and attempted to verbally calm the situation. Client was calm, but continued to escalate. Client was able to run past staff and kick [REDACTED] in the head. Client was taken inside the building where Centers’ medical personnel assessed him. The RN noted a bruise/bump to the back (right side) of head. Dr. Thomas was notified and made the decision to send to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for further evaluation. Centers’ staff transported client to ACH. Once at ACH, medical personnel there evaluated and determined he could be sent back to The Centers. Client was transported back to EMCC with instructions to monitor him for any changes. Centers’ medical staff will continue to monitor . The Little Rock Police Department was called and completed an Incident Report regarding this incident. On 4/25/2023, was placed in acute care at Rivendell Behavioral Health so he could receive a higher level of care.

Licensing Narrative: Licensing Specialist received notification of provider reported incident on 4/25/2023 via email. 5/1/2023, Licensing Specialist reviewed provider reported incident.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

On 4/21/2023, client and a peer were attempting to remove nail polish when client accidentally got some nail polish remover (Acetone) in her left eye. Centers’ medical personnel treated client’s left eye with an Emergency Eye Wash Solution. Out of an abundance of caution, Centers’ staff transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) for further evaluation. Once at ACH, medical personnel there examined client’s left eye, and determined the eye did not sustain any vision impairment. The eye did not require any additional treatment. After client’s evaluation, she was transported back to EMAC.

Licensing Narrative: Licensing Specialist reviewed provider reported incident. Licensing Specialist will inquire is residents are supervised when using finger nail polish remover. Licensing Specialist informed this incident took place during a self-care activity with staff present.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

On 4/19/2023, client told staff she became angry and hit a wall. Client said she was not trying to harm herself when she hit the wall, but she hurt her left wrist as a result. Centers’ medical staff assessed client’s left wrist but did not observe any redness or swelling to the area; however, client continued to complain of pain. Out of an abundance of caution, was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) by Centers’ staff for further evaluation. Once at ACH, medical personnel there conducted an X-ray of client’s left wrist, and it was determined there were NO fractures present. After client’s medical evaluation, she was transported back to EMAC.

Licensing Narrative: Licensing Specialist reviewed provider reported incident. No licensing concerns noted.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Census: 49 Licensing Specialist completed buildings and grounds. Licensing Specialist observed the lawn service contractor mowing, blowing, and removing debris from the grounds. Ms. Kenleigh Bennett (Program Director) informed Licensing Specialist that Destiny House is no longer being used for residents.Licensing Specialist observed the following areas: EMAC, EMCC, and classrooms.

Licensing Specialist observed the emergency escape plan, facility’s menu, and the clients’ rights on the wall of each dorm. EMAC – Licensing Specialist observed the following areas: bathrooms, bedrooms, day area, classrooms, and dining room area. Licensing Specialist observed the clinicians in their morning huddle in the hallway. All bedrooms were organized, and no debris was observed on the floor in the dorms (1, 2, 3, and 4). Housekeeping was on the dorm doing daily cleaning. The dining room area was clean, and Licensing Specialist could smell the aroma of a cleaning product. Classrooms: Ms. Gretchen’s class, ratio 3:9. Ms. Karin’s class, ratio 2:9. Ms. Sheena’s class, ratio 2:8. Rage rooms and cozy corners, were neat and organized. EMCC – On dorms (New, East, North, and South) all bedrooms were organized, and bathrooms were clean.The day area and dining area were free of debris.Ms. Bennett informed Licensing Specialist that the facility’s last tornado drill was on 3/31/2023.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

On 4/10/2023, client began vomiting for no apparent reason. The Centers medical personnel assessed and out of an abundance of caution, sent him to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) for further evaluation. Centers’ staff transported to ACH. Once at ACH, medical personnel there gave medication to treat the nausea and vomiting. After taking the medicine client’s symptoms improved, and he was transported back to EMCC. is to continue taking the with his food to prevent abdominal upset. Licensing Narrative: Licensing Specialist reviewed provider reported incident. Licensing Specialist inquired about resident’s diagnosis and follow-up appointment. 4/12/2023, Licensing Specialist informed resident was diagnosed with nausea and vomiting, unspecified vomiting type. Facility advised if symptoms get worse for resident to follow-up with his AR Children’s Hospital PCP.

Police Report

Battery, Battery Third Degree, Resident Injury

Staff advised officers that Juvenile 1 jumped on Juvenile 2 for unknown reasons and punched him in the eyes, causing injury. Staff stated both J2’s eyes were bleeding and he was transported to the hospital prior to officers arrival.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation

On 4/06/2023, client became dysregulated when another peer was using the “N” word. Client attacked the peer and staff immediately separated the two. While staff was separating and his peer, the peer bit on the left forearm. The Centers’ medical team assessed and noted the skin was broken due to the bite. Out of an abundance of caution, was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) by Centers’ staff for further evaluation. Once at ACH, medical personnel there examined the bite and prescribed Augmentin as a preventative measure against infection. After his evaluation at ACH, was transported back to EMCC.

4/10/2023, Licensing Specialist will inquire if a safety plan will be implemented for the residents involved.

4/13/2023, Licensing Specialist followed-up with facility. Residents were placed in separate dorms and there is only one dorm at a time on the playground.

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.