Disability Rights Arkansas

United Methodist Children's Home Dacus / United Methodist Children's Home (Bono)

*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 rstanford@disabilityrightsar.org

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

Treatment Components:

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.

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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.

  • Facility cited 105.15.h: Personnel file missing one reference. Agency will provide the 3rd reference within 30 days of 4/25/24.

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.

Police Report

Assault

Officer was dispatched in reference to a juvenile making threats of killing staff members. Upon arrival, staff advised that Suspect #1 had put Victim #1 in a headlock and refused to let go. Victim #1 sustained no injuries. The threats towards staff were un-corroborated. Suspect #1 stated that he and Victim #1 were just playing around. Officer spoke with Suspect #1 over his behavior and what the possible consequences to his behavior could be.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice

Census: 15

Licensing Specialist completed an after hours visit. Mr. Brown, Program Consultant escorted Licensing Specialist through the building. There was no staff in the administration offices. Mr. Brown informed Licensing that some residents were in their bedrooms and others were watching a movie in the Big Boy Classroom.

Residents’ Hall ratios in bedrooms: Room 117:2, Room 118:1, Room 119:1, Room 120:1, Room 126:1, Room 128:2, Room 130:1. Licensing observed 3 staff on the residents’ hall, at each end of the hall and one doing laundry.

Mr. Brown escorted Licensing to the Education hall. Education hall ratios: Classroom 1: 2:3. Residents were watching the movie, Surf Ninjas.

Nurse Laura showed Licensing the medication cart. Licensing observed MARs. All initialed and up to date.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

Client went to use the restroom and closed his middle finger in the bathroom door. Client’s finger was cut and bleeding. Client was taken to St. Bernard’s Emergency Department by ambulance. X-rays showed Tuft fracture of 3rd digit on left hand (also showed client dislocated shoulder again after his shoulder was reset on 11/12/23 due to basketball injury.) ER department reduced left shoulder back in place. Sutures were placed on third digit to be removed in 7-10 days. Continue to wear left shoulder immobilizer in place for dislocation.

Licensing Specialist informed resident is scheduled to have his sutures removed on 11/26/2023 by the facility’s nurse when he returns from pass.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

While playing basketball in the gym, Client jumped and landed awkwardly on right ankle. Scant amount of edema noted to right ankle without open area or bruising present. X-ray ordered. No acute ankle fracture or dislocation.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

While playing basketball, Client ran into the wall and injured shoulder. Left shoulder appeared deformed. Mobile X-ray completed. Shoulder seemed to be dislocated. Client was taken to the NEA Baptist Emergency room. Facility informed Licensing Specialist that the emergency room confirmed resident’s shoulder as being dislocated and reset his right shoulder. The emergency room also advised to see an orthopedic as needed if symptoms worsen.

Police Report

Battery

Officer was dispatched to Dacus Treatment Center in reference to a child out of control. Upon arrival, staff advised the child was out of control, hitting one of the staff members and breaking the toilet. Mrs. Banks wanted me to speak with the child about his behavior.

Officer spoke with the child. He stated he couldn’t do his school work because he didn’t have glasses to see it. He then got upset at the staff and went off on them. The child agreed to stay calm and let the staff know when he was struggling with a problem. The staff advised they didn’t want to pursue anything, that if he would keep his behavior down they didn’t mind helping him with any problem.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

Client jumped and tried to climb on a basketball hoop and fell. Client reported pain of 10/10, moderate amount of edema noted, capillary refill < 3 seconds, color pink. Client could move fingers freely, but it caused pain. Arm was stabilized with a pillow and an ice pack applied. Mobile x-ray ordered. Client was sent to the ER. Fracture of the distal radius with dorsal angulation; Fracture of the ulnar styloid acute. Due to the nature of the injury and the required follow-up care from orthopedic surgeon, Client was discharged from facility on 11/5/23.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Licensing completed buildings and grounds from 12:30pm – 1:45pm. The following areas were observed: Grounds, dining room area, activity room, bathrooms, bedrooms, seclusion room, gym, administration hall, nurse’s station, and courtyard. MARs reviewed for 5 residents. No licensing concerns noted during visit.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Client disclosed to nurse that staff brought in a phone, THC and nicotine vape into the facility and gave this to a peer to use. Client further states the staff member has been instructing him to lie on other staff instead of telling on her. Client does state he used staff’s phone to text brother. Staff was suspended pending further investigation. Child Abuse Hotline was called and accepted (combined with other allegations).

Licensing Specialist requested documentation regarding this complaint. Licensing Specialist informed that resident was the first to inform staff of the vapes. Resident denied using the vape and tested negative for THC. Resident was not placed on precautions or Focus.

CACD investigation was unsubstantiated. Licensing unfounded complaint.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Client disclosed to nurse that staff brought in a nicotine vape and a THC vape for him to use. Client tested positive for THC on 10/16/23. Client further states that the staff member was instructing him to lie on other staff regarding who brought in the vapes. Staff was suspended pending further investigation. Child Abuse Hotline was called and accepted (combined with other allegations). Client was placed on 60k focus and restricted from going on pass home until he is able to test negative for THC.

Licensing Specialist requested documentation regarding this complaint. Licensing Specialist informed that resident was drug screened and tested positive for THC. Resident will continue to be monitored with weekly UDS screens.

CACD investigation was unsubstantiated. Licensing unfounded complaint.