*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: Bono, Arkansas
Population Served: Children and adolescents in need of out of home psychiatric care in a residential setting
| # of residents per unit: 25 | Residents per room: 3-4 | Capacity: 25 |
Contact with family (Calls and visit schedule): Clients have regularly scheduled phone call opportunities. The number of actual calls depends on the clients wish to utilize these opportunities. In person visitation (assuming no quarantine precautions) is available every weekend and can be scheduled at other times as needed by the family or guardian.
| Restraint utilized? Yes | Chemical Restraint utilized? Yes | Seclusion utilized? Yes |
Clinical Director - In process of hiring.
Therapists: 2 full-time therapists (1 LCSW, 1 LPC)
Treatment modalities offered: Facility declined to identify any specific modalities available
# of individual therapy sessions/week: Minimum 1 per week scheduled. May vary upon the treatment plan of the client.
# of group therapy sessions led by a licensed mental health professional/week: minimum of 1 with 2 preferred.
Police Report
Overdose, Police Report
On 10/5/24, officer responded to facility in regards to a juvenile overdose from taking pills. Upon entering the facility, there were already 1-2 first responders on scene. Officer was told to bring Narcan to the juvenile, and the officer administered 4mg of Narcan to the juvenile. The juvenile opened his eyes and began talking to officers. EMS arrived on scene and transported juvenile to the hospital. The officer collected witness statements on 10/6/24.
PRLU or OLTC
Notice of Incident, Suicide Attempt, Visit Compliance Report
Staff was informed by facility residents that client swallowed an unknown number of pills. At approximately 7:42pm, staff called the nurse who was assisting another resident in the facility’s cafeteria at the time. At approximately 7:47pm, as behavioral instructor was checking on client in the bedroom, client fell to the floor. Emergency services (911) were immediately called. Behavioral instructor then moved client to the RTC hallway. At 7:50pm, the nurse assessed client and remained with him until Emergency services arrived. Emergency serves arrived at approximately 7:55pm and transported client to St Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro, AR.
Licensing Specialist: Andrea Adamson
Licensing Specialist emailed Facility with follow up questions, how did resident obtain pills, safety plan moving forward, nursing notes, hospital discharge paperwork. Facility reported that client was sent to Pinnacle Pointe on 10/06/24 where he is currently. Client did not return to Dacus, RTC after being transferred to St. Bernards hospital on 10/05/24. St. Bernards hospital informed RTC nurse that client’s vitals and levels were all normal. However, per hospital (St Bernards) policy, the client is not allowed to return to the same facility after an alleged or reported overdose. The client obtained the meds from the medication he “cheeked” earlier in the day. Safety plan- Nurse will continue to ask each client for name and D.O.B before handing client medication and water. After client swallows’ the medication, nurse will complete an oral check to ensure medication has been swallowed.
Licensing visited facility on 10/8/24 and reviewed camera footage. Program Manager provided TA on improving staff procedure, nurse staying with a client in distress, not allowing other children to be hands on during medical emergencies. Also spoke with CEO about having floater staff on the floor during 7pm to 11pm. The Facility was given 7 days to retrain staff. 10.15.24- Facility emailed Licensing Specialist copies of the retraining for staff and nurse.
PRLU or OLTC
IOC Report
No deficiencies were noted during the Inspection of Care (IOC) conducted on 10/03/24.
PRLU or OLTC
Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident
While playing basketball, Client rolled onto right ankle. Client was taken to nurse. Moderate edema present. No open wounds noted. X-ray ordered. X-ray findings questionable. Client taken to NEA Baptist emergency department and was diagnosed with avulsion fracture of right ankle, closed.
Police Report
Assault, Police Report
Officers were dispatched to the facility on 8/19/24 in response to an assault on a staff member. The resident who assaulted the staff member was arrested and transported to Craighead County Juvenile Detention Center on the charge of Assault 3rd and released to jail staff.
PRLU or OLTC
Arrest, Notice of Incident
Resident committed an unprovoked assault on a staff member by ramming his elbow into staff and slamming him into the wall. EMS was called and the staff member was transported to Northeast Arkansas Baptist Hospital. Bono Police Department was called. The resident was arrested and taken to Craighead County Detention Center.
PRLU or OLTC
Notice of Incident, Self-Harm
Resident reported pain in his hand and stated he had hit a wall the previous weekend. The resident did not verbalize this discomfort until 8/9/2024. He was taken to the nurse for evaluation. His right hand was slightly edematous with no broken skin. X-rays were ordered. No fracture or dislocation was noted.
PRLU or OLTC
Elopement, Notice of Incident
A resident eloped out of the front office door by pushing past staff when she opened the door leading to the front office. The resident was apprehended by the Bono Police Department and taken to Craighead County Juvenile Detention Center.
Licensing discussed the elopement with facility staff during a visit to the facility. Ratio at the time of the elopement was 2:5. The resident was returned with no issues or injuries. Staff involved was retrained on elopement precautions when opening doors. the resident was placed on close observations and elopement precautions.
PRLU or OLTC
Notice of Incident, Verbal Maltreatment, Visit Compliance Report
A resident reported to his therapist that a staff member made a threatening statement toward him stating, “Don’t touch my chair before I punch you in the mouth.” The resident reported he told the staff member, “Go ahead and do it,” and the staff member replied, “I don’t hit little girls.” The staff member was suspended pending the outcome of the internal investigation.
Licensing Specialist: Chelsea Vardell
Licensing interviewed three residents at the facility, including the child named in this incident. Two of the residents reported that they did not have any concerns with staff and had not witnessed staff being physically or verbally abusive with any of the residents. One of the resident reported that the staff member listed in this incident has been rude and disrespectful to him on several occasions. The resident reported that the staff member threatened to punch him in the face after the resident bumped into his chair. The resident reported no other issues with any staff members.
Licensing informed the facility that licensing is not requiring staff to be on suspension and that he can return to work once he has been retrained on appropriate communication and behavior management with residents. The facility will provide a copy of the retraining prior to the staff returning to work.
PRLU or OLTC
Visit Compliance Report
Licensing Specialist: Chelsea Vardell
Licensing visited the facility for an unannounced buildings and grounds walkthrough. Bedrooms were very clean and tidy. One bedroom was found to have a pair of pajama pants with strings. Facility will be cited for 911.15.f.
MARS were reviewed. No initials or documentation related to scheduled medication was found for one resident. Facility will be cited for 908.9.d.
PRLU or OLTC
Notice of Incident, Peer-to-Peer Violence, Self-Harm, Visit Compliance Report
A resident punched walls, windows, and a peer with a closed fist on different occasions throughout the day. These incidents occurred in the cafeteria and dayroom. The resident’s left hand was edematous, and the 5th digit knuckle was bruised. An X-ray was ordered. Diagnosis: Bruised left hand.
The facility reported that the resident was placed on assault precautions. The resident who was attacked did not sustain any injuries requiring outside medical care.
Licensing Specialist: Chelsea Vardell
Technical Assistance 110.17 was provided to the facility due to late reporting.
PRLU or OLTC
Visit Compliance Report
Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice
Census: 17
Program Coordinator conducted an annual review of policies for the facility. All policies complied with minimum licensing standards.
PRLU or OLTC
Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident
Client was injured when a peer jumped up and kneed him in the back, causing the client to hit his head on the wall. After the incident, the nurse noted a 2 cm superficial cut to the forehead with a small amount of edema and scant bleeding.
The client was taken to Northeast Arkansas Baptist Emergency Room for evaluation. He was treated with Dermabond.
PRLU or OLTC
Visit Compliance Report
Licensing Specialist (LS): Eleanor White
LS White completed a Buildings and Grounds visit at the facility. Census: 18
Residents were in class watching a movie. LS White observed bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, laundry rooms, classrooms, cafeteria, gym, privilege closet and crib, and the outside recreational area. All areas were clean and organized.
Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers were located in the designated areas. Evacuation plans and Disability Rights posters were posted.
MARs were reviewed. All up to date and accurate. LS White reviewed incident logs and fire and severe weather logs. All up to date.
No regulations observed to be out of compliance.
PRLU or OLTC
Visit Compliance Report
Licensing Specialist: Eleanor White
Licensing visit: 11:00AM – 2:00PM. Census: 17. Licensing specialist reviewed personnel files. One file was missing one reference. Except for the missing reference all required pertinent information and verifications are present.
Police Report
Disorderly Conduct
Officer was dispatched to Methodist Family Health in reference to a disturbance. On arrival, a staff member advised officer that Juvenile 1 has been fighting and running on tables and generally not listening to the staff. He advised that he needed someone to speak with Juvenile 1 and explain to him that there is consequences to his actions.
Officer made contact with Juvenile 1 and explained to him that fighting can lead to him being arrested and spoke with him about options he should consider before breaking the rules of the facility. Juvenile 1 agreed that he would calm down and obey the staff at the facility. Staff advised that they did not wish to pursue charges. Staff’s statement reads, “There was a client punching multiple staff and other peers and we could not get him to calm down. Cops were called to get him to calm down.”
PRLU or OLTC
Notice of Incident, Self-Harm
Client stated, “he was upset with the therapist due to not being able to schedule a visit with cousin.” Client struck a wall with his hand, causing edema and scant amount of bruising present to 5th metacarpophalangeal joint area. X-ray ordered. X-ray revealed an acute fracture of the fifth metacarpal. Client was taken to St. Bernard’s Medical Center ER. He is to follow up with an orthopedic.
Police Report
Battery, Terroristic Threatening
Officer responded to the facility in reference to a juvenile attacking facility staff.
Staff 1 advised that he had been punched in the face by a juvenile multiple times. He advised that he was assisting Staff 2 with the juvenile because the juvenile was throwing shoes and threatening to kill, stab and choke Staff 2. He advised that it took two of the facility staff to gain control of the juvenile. Staff 2 confirmed this.
Officer contacted Shannon at the Craighead County Juvenile Office, who advised the officer to make a report and have the facility contact the Juvenile Office on Monday morning. Shannon advised that the facility should keep the juvenile separated from the other juveniles at the facility. Officer advised staff.
PRLU or OLTC
Visit Compliance Report
Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.
Census: 13. Building and Grounds conducted. The following areas were observed: administrative buildings, dining room, nurse’s station, classrooms, bedrooms, library, bathrooms. seclusion room, laundry rooms, therapist offices, BI’s office, grounds, and gym.
Classroom 1, ratio 1:2 small boy residents were watching a movie. Classroom 2, ratio 1:6 big boy residents were completing class work. Gym ratio, 2:6, Residents were either sitting by staff or playing basketball.
Program Coordinator reviewed MARs. All initialed and up to date.
Police Report
Sexual Assault
Caller advised officer that she picked up her grandson from the Dacus Center in Bono, and that he had been the victim of sexual misconduct while in the facility. Caller advised that she reported it to the facility but has not heard back from them. She wanted to make sure it was reported to the State Police. Information was gathered and submitted to CACD (suspect is a staff member at the facility).
Officer spoke with ASP and provided the victim’s witness statement. ASP advised the incident was under investigation. 2/13/24 – Charges were amended to 5-14-124, Sexual Assault 1st Degree. ASP and BPD did a joint interview with the suspect, who denied all claims of sexual misconduct. 3/27/24 – ASP reports that the director of the center has not returned any calls regarding video footage. 4/2/24 – After prosecutors review, it was determined there is not enough evidence at this time to pursue charges.
PRLU or OLTC
Notice of Incident, Peer Sexual Contact, Visit Compliance Report
Guardian of resident failed to return him to the facility on 12/26/2023. On 12/27/23 he was discharged against the medical advice of the attending physician, Dr Sara Vanscoy. Explanation for the AMA discharge was allegedly due to an alleged incident between resident and a peer at the facility. This alleged incident was not disclosed to therapist, nurse, or the program director until the day resident was scheduled to return from his pass on 12/26/23. However, this alleged incident is currently being investigated.
Program Director informed Program Coordinator of the alleged allegations. 12/29/2023, Program Coordinator received discharge from facility. 1/2/2024, Program Coordinator followed-up with the facility on the internal investigation. Program Coordinator informed that the hotline was called because the guardian did not return the resident and call was accepted. That is the facility’s policy. Facility reported that the BI’s stated that resident requested a room change and did not disclose the reason why.
Investigator Anderson informed Program Coordinator her report was accepted for medical neglect with the resident’s guardian as the AO. 2/9/2024, investigator reported case found unsubstantiated. The complaint has been Unfounded by Licensing.
PRLU or OLTC
Maltreatment, Notice of Incident
During interviews regarding a maltreatment investigation, resident’s guardian reported to the investigator that approximately 3 weeks ago, she took resident to the dentist. He was bragging to his brothers that he has a 35-year-old girlfriend at the facility (Dacus Psychiatric Residential). Resident stated that they were having sex in the bathrooms because there were no cameras there. Resident reported it to the facility staff, who failed to report it to the director.
12/21/2023 – Program Manager was made aware of this investigation by the DON during a visit to the facility. Camera footage was reviewed for interactions between the A/V and A/O during the day of 12/17/2023.
The staff was terminated from the facility on 12/18/2023 due to another incident that occurred on 12/17/2023 with the same A/V (see 12/17/23 Maltreatment Notice of Incident for reference).
CACD investigation found TRUE.
PRLU or OLTC
Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report
During routine camera view on 12/18/2023 by the nurse (Shellie L), staff was seen pushing and kneeing client in the groin. Client was examined by the nurse. Bilateral testicles slightly red. No bruising or open area present. A call to the child abuse hotline was completed and accepted . Staff was immediately terminated upon view of camera footage.
Licensing Specialist: Chelsea Vardell
Program Manager and DON Shellie Loggins reviewed camera footage for 12/17/23 from 13:20-14:30. Video showed staff member (alleged offender) escorting youth to the gaming room, then supervising them. The staff has the “little boys” group which is comprised of the youngest residents. The alleged victim is older and is reported to belong in the “big boys” group. It is unknown why his is with this group and staff member during this time. Resident and staff are casually talking while the younger residents play games. At one point all residents and staff are staring at the TV screen with their mouths open and some of the boys begin laughing. No view of the TV is available to determine what they are looking at, however two residents reported it to be pornographic material. Further review shows alleged victim and offender with their feet propped on a chair between them. They stand up and push one another in a seemingly playful manner. Staff looks over her shoulder down the hallway, approaches resident and knees him in the groin. Resident bends over and appears to be in pain. Staff ushers other residents out of the room then exits. Resident slaps staff on the butt. Staff jumps in reaction, but does not redirect the resident, nor was any report made about this contact.
In response to the pornographic material being shown on a gaming system, the facility has removed the system.
Facility was cited (109.1.g) for the unprofessional conduct of staff, as she engaged in behavior that could be viewed as sexual, dangerous, exploitative, or physically harmful to children.
This complaint has been Founded by Licensing. CACD investigation found TRUE.
PRLU or OLTC
Visit Compliance Report
Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice
Census: 16
Program Coordinator completed buildings and grounds. The following areas were observed: administration, grounds, education hall, dining room, dayroom, bathrooms, laundry rooms, bedrooms, gym, education hall, and nurse’s station.
Program Coordinator observed parked cards, a van for transportation, and the grounds were free of debris upon walking into the administration area. Program Coordinator was escorted by Ms. Waynette Banks, Program Director.
In the day area, a CASA worker and resident were playing chess. the big boy residents were in the gym playing basketball, ratio 2:8. On the educational hall, residents were preparing for lunch, ratio 1:2. Other residents were with their therapist.
On both halls, bedrooms and bathrooms were clean. The aroma of cleaning products was present. There were no more than three residents in a bedroom. Belongings were organized on shelves and most beds were made.
Nurse Nettie informed that there currently are no residents on any controlled substances.
Licensing reviewed MARS. All initialed and up to date.
Police Report
Battery
Officer responded to Dacus RTC in reference to a juvenile being aggressive and punching staff in the face. Upon arrival, Sigman (staff) advised officer that S1 was screaming and being aggressive towards his peers. Sigman got in between S1 and peers. S1 punched Sigman several times in the stomach and face. He had obvious injuries to the bridge of his nose and his left check under his eye.
This is the second time the officer has been called out to Dacus RTC for S1’s aggressive behavior. S1 was NOT interviewed due to him being a minor with his listed guardian not being present. This case will be turned over to the Craighead County Juvenile Department.