Disability Rights Arkansas

United Methodist Children's Home 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 rstanford@disabilityrightsar.org

Methodist Children’s Home operates multiple programs on a single campus. Police responses to this campus often do not identify the program they are responding to. All reports plausibly related to the PRTF or Qualified Residential Treatment Program/Group Home (QRTP) have been included here. Where we can be certain the response was to the QRTP it is noted.

Location: Little Rock, AR                   Population Served: Children and adolescents in need of out of home psychiatric care in a residential setting

# of residents per unit: 20 Residents per room: 1 Capacity: 40

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: LCSW                    Therapists: 1 full-time therapist (LCSW)

Treatment modalities offered: Facility declined to identify any specific treatment 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.

UMCH LR Report (combined)

Photo Appendix to report

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PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

A resident, who was upset after visitation with her mom, refused to follow prompts and instructions from staff. She tried choking staff members and kicking them while they were trying to prevent her from self-harming. The resident punched walls, banged her head on doors, and bit herself. After the incident, the resident was assessed by nursing. Bruises to her right knuckles were noted. An x-ray was ordered. The x-ray showed no fractures.

The resident is on suicide precautions, assault precautions, and Line of Sight 24/7 precautions until her behavior improves.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

A report received states that during an incident, a staff member told a resident, “I will beat you with this walkie,” after the resident told the staff member, “I will punch you dead in the face.” As the resident walked through a doorway, the staff member’s glasses flew off her face. The resident alleges that the staff member hit her on the side of the head with the walkie.

Licensing Specialist: Arlene Horton

LS Horton reviewed camera footage of the incident, which confirmed the spoken words of the resident and staff member. Due to the camera angle, LS Horton was unable to view what was taking place between the resident and the staff member as the resident walked through the doorway.

The physical maltreatment allegation has been UNFOUNDED by Licensing. The verbal maltreatment allegation has been FOUNDED by Licensing. The facility was cited for 905.4.g and 110.9.a for this incident.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

On 12/1/24, a resident reported to her mother that she punched a wall with her right hand. The resident’s mother emailed the therapist about the incident, and the therapist let the treatment team know of the situation. The Medical Director emailed nursing to ask for an x-ray to be ordered. An x-ray was ordered on 12/2/24 and the results showed no acute fracture. The resident will be placed on suicidal precautions until her behavior improves.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Physical Maltreatment, Visit Compliance Report

A resident alleged that a staff member slapped him in the face.

Licensing Arlene Horton

LS Horton reviewed the camera footage of the incident. The staff member and resident appeared calm and interacted well. Licensing heard the staff member tell the resident to go to the bathroom to wash his hands. LS Horton observed the resident walk into the bathroom while the staff member walked to the door. The staff member stood at the door and turned on the light. A noise was heard, and the resident could be heard crying and screaming.

This complaint has been UNFOUNDED by Licensing. The staff member may return to normal job duties.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Physical Maltreatment, Visit Compliance Report

On 11/23/24, a resident was involved in an incident with a staff member from the facility. According to the report, the resident entered the staff member’s personal space, and the staff member put his hands around the resident’s neck. After the resident is released, he moves toward the staff member again, and the staff member performs an improper hold/restraint by holding the resident down with his arms and knee in the resident’s chest. The resident is released and moves toward the staff member a third time. The staff member takes the resident to the ground again with his hand around the resident’s neck. Another staff member leads the resident away from the staff member.

Licensing Specialist: Arlene Horton

LS Horton reviewed camera footage of the incident and viewed the staff member and resident in a physical altercation. Another member of staff entered the area and observed the altercation but failed to seek additional assistance.

This complaint has been FOUNDED by Licensing. The facility was cited 109.1.g and 907.2 for the incident.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Arlene Horton

LS Horton performed a Personnel Records and Background Check review at the facility. Licensing observed the FBI, Arkansas State Police, Child Maltreatment and verifications, personnel records, and background checks in each file. All staff members’ backgrounds reviewed were complete, current, and met minimal Licensing standards.

PRLU or OLTC

Complaint Report, IOC

A Medicaid Inspection of Care review was conducted at the facility in response to a complaint received.

PRLU or OLTC

Complaint, Notice of Incident

A report was received that the facility does not currently have any teachers on staff as of 9/6/2024. The facility is reportedly using substitutes to make up for the lack of teachers.

Licensing contacted the facility regarding the report, and the facility confirmed they do not have teachers on staff and are using staff who have bachelor’s degrees as substitutes until a new teacher begins. A new special education teacher will begin orientation with the facility on 11/25/2024.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation, Visit Compliance Report

Client was in line in the cafeteria about to transition upstairs. Another client jumped out of her seat and attacked client unprovoked. The other client hit and pushed client into the door and hit her head above her eyebrow on the door causing an inch gash on her head. Staff quickly responded and separated the two clients. Client was transported to the ER by MEMS due to the gash and bleeding and to receive treatment from Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Clients will be placed on 10 ft restrictions from each other.

Licensing Specialist: Arlene Horton

Licensing visited the facility and reviewed camera footage for the incident. No issues were noted.

The facility reported the resident received 8 stitches to the right side of her forehead and her right eye was swollen.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

A resident reported to her therapist that a staff member hit her in the mouth.

Licensing Specialist Horton requested nursing note and camera footage from the facility.

Licensing Specialist Clayton DeBoer – Visited facility and reviewed camera footage of the incident. Staff/Client ratio 5:18. Staff is observed putting his foot against the client, who is sitting on the floor, and sliding her in the opposite direction with his foot to prevent her from reaching another resident. At no time during the video review can staff be definitively seen punching or making contact with the resident’s facial area. Both staff members involved have been counseled. The staff member who used his foot will be counseled. Both staff will be retrained on Phase 2, Tantrum Management.

Facility was cited 109.1.g for unprofessional behavior for scooting the client across the floor with his foot.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Arlene Horton

Buildings and Grounds conducted from 9:15 am-10:30 am. Clients’ bedrooms, bathrooms, dayroom area, and dining area were all maintained. Licensing reviewed MARs for 6 residents; All initialed and up to date.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Client got upset at a peer and began to punch his mattress that he placed against the wall with his right hand. Staff heard the noise and investigated. Staff asked him to stop and he complied. He was assessed by nursing and an x-ray was ordered. Findings were type 3 fracture of the first digit proximal phalanx. Mild lateral overlying soft tissue swelling, minimally rounded fracture edges indicate a probable subacute etiology. Client will be placed on suicidal and assaultive precautions, line of sight 24/7, no sharps spork watch.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Redacted, Visit Compliance Report

Reported to AR Child Abuse Hotline outside of facility: Client had a piece of paper and refused to give it to staff, and the staff member grabbed her arm and tried to remove the paper from her hand. Client alleged the staff dug her nails into her arm and hand while trying to remove the paper. Reporter stated the client has fingernail marks/cuts on her arm that are starting to scab over. The date this occurred is unknown.

9/18/24: Investigator visited facility to interview the client, and the Director informed them that the client was on the unit self-harming at the moment. Director retrieved client from the unit and escorted her to the Intake room. Shortly after, yelling was heard from the Intake room and the Investigator came out and stated that she was done. It was observed that client had blood running down her arm. The Investigator reported that client picked at her arm in front of her and client’s arm began to bleed. Client was verbally disrespectful and hostile. The Investigator reported the client said she was mad because her mother gave her the jacket that was taken from her. The Director reported that the jacket was taken because she was using it to hide self-harm. The Investigator informed the Director that the report would be closed out on this date. The alleged staff member was also interviewed, and safety plan for client was provided.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Slade

Program Coordinator reviewed complaint and requested more information from the Investigator.

CACD case found unsubstantiated. This complaint has been unfounded by Licensing.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

While on an outing at the trampoline park, client went down a zip line and injured his nose upon dismounting into the foam pit. He stated he tried to flip into the foam and his knee hit his face. He was assessed by the nurse upon return to the facility and an x-ray was ordered. There were significant findings of nondisplaced nasal bone fractures. Client was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital where he was medically cleared. No additional interventions needed.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Redacted, Visit Compliance Report

On 9/3/24, camera footage was reviewed of an incident with a client on 8/29/24. The client was observed banging her head on the walls and floor. She aggressively went toward a much younger peer, age 9. Client began going after, spitting on, and attacking staff. At approximately 7:52 pm, the client was moving aggressively toward staff, slapping at staff. The staff member was observed grabbing the client’s sweatshirt and pushing her to the ground. A report was made to the AR Child Abuse Hotline.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Slade

Program Coordinator reviewed camera footage on 9/5/24. The staff member was observed trying to prevent the resident from going into an office while the resident was displaying aggression toward staff. It did not appear that the staff member was trying to cause harm/danger to the resident. It did appear that the resident may have lost her balance (she had on socks) when displaying aggression toward the staff members. Program Coordinator suggested the staff member be retrained, and the facility reported the staff will be retrained in CPI.

11/21/2024- Information received revealed that the original report may have listed the A/O (alleged offender) as another child at the facility. This is incorrect; therefore another [redacted] (another report was made). Referral was screened out.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Redacted, Visit Compliance Report

Client was transported to Methodist Behavioral Health due to her ongoing aggressive behavior, and while there she accused staff of choking her. A report was made to the AR Child Abuse Hotline and accepted. Facility: After review of camera footage from 3 supervisors, it was determined that this did NOT happen.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Slade

Program Coordinator visited facility and reviewed camera footage on 9/5/24: The resident was observed being verbally and physically aggressive towards staff, and was placed in a restraint briefly and then released. Staff member was observed removing themselves from the situation and entering the BI’s office. Resident then started wrapping her sweater around her neck, and staff were observed walking back into the foyer area to remove the sweater while the resident resisted. “Licensing is not prepared to leave a finding at this time.” Facility provided the nursing note and reported that was the only restraint that resident had been placed in on day of incident. ICA for staff approved by Licensing.

9/26/24 – CACD case unsubstantiated. This complaint has been unfounded by Licensing.

PRLU or OLTC

IOC Report

No deficiencies were noted during the Inspection of Care (IOC) conducted on 08/08/24.

PRLU or OLTC

IOC Report

A Medicaid Inspection of Care review was conducted at the facility. No deficiencies were cited.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

Resident complained of right hand/wrist pain. An x-ray was ordered.

Diagnosis: No fracture or dislocation noted. Orders included ibuprofen for pain as needed.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation

A resident and peer were involved in an altercation. Staff intervened. The residents were placed on a 10-foot restriction, moved to a different hall, and removed from the same group. No injuries occurred due to this altercation.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

Resident injured his ankle while participating in a group structure activity. The resident was evaluated and an x-ray was ordered.

Diagnosis: No acute fracture or dislocation.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Resident became upset and began kicking a metal door. Resident was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) for treatment. Diagnosis: Laceration of the 5th toe on the right foot; Open fracture of the phalanx of the right 5th toe.

The resident was placed on assault precautions and unit restriction. The resident was later admitted to the hospital due to an infection of the injury.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Resident was not following instructions and pushed a staff member as she was walking out the door. The staff member backhanded the resident, hitting him in the face. Other staff members told the staff member to leave the room. The resident refused to be assessed by the nurse after the incident. When he was later assessed, he showed no markings or bruises. The staff member who struck the resident was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice

Program Coordinator visited the facility to review the video footage. The staff member was observed backhanding the resident in the footage.

Facility was cited for 109.1.g: Staff engaged in unprofessional conduct that could be viewed as physically harmful to a child, 110.9.a: The facility failed to immediately report the incident to the child abuse hotline, 905.4.g: Staff used physical harm as a form of behavior management.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice

Census: 38

Program Coordinator conducted an annual review of policies for the facility. All policies complied with minimum licensing standards.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice

Program Coordinator completed buildings and grounds. The following areas were observed: administration building, chapel, dayroom, classrooms, group room, laundry rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and foyer area.

All bedrooms were organized and the bathrooms were clean. No licensing concerns were observed during the buildings and grounds walkthrough.