Disability Rights Arkansas

Perimeter Behavioral of the Ozarks / Woodridge of the Ozarks

*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: Springdale, AR                   Population Served: Adolescent girls ages 7-17

# of residents per unit: Up to 12 Residents per room: 2 Capacity: 32

Contact with family (Calls and visit schedule): Weekly calls up to 3x/week for 10 minutes, intervention call available 1x/week for 10 minutes. Visitation available 2x/week for 30 minutes if previously scheduled. Zoom available if in person is not possible.

Restraint utilized? Yes Chemical Restraint utilized? Yes Seclusion utilized? Yes 

Treatment Components:

Clinical Director: LCSW                    Therapists: 2 full-time therapists (1 LMSW, 1 LAC)

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

# of individual therapy sessions/week: Varies by client, most clients receive one individual therapy session per month

# of group therapy sessions led by a licensed mental health professional/week: 3

 

DRA Monitoring/Investigations

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PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm, Visit Compliance Report

On 09/29/24, resident self-harmed with a piece of wood, resulting in a laceration on the right forearm. Resident was sent to Arkansas Children’s Hospital where she received 6 stitches. She returned to Perimeter and was placed on self-harm precautions for 72 hours and is under line-of-sight observation.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

10/8/2024 – A visit was conducted to do a walkthrough of the facility in regards to the report and inspect beds with pressed wood board. Upon inspection, the boards appeared in good repair, and not chipped. It was not verified that the resident acquired the wood from the bed as there are no obvious signs of damage. The facility will be replacing all pressed wood boards in the residents’ rooms as a precaution. Housekeeping staff will conduct regular inspections of the beds until the boards are replaced. 10/15/2024 – the facility sent documentation that the fiberboards have been replaced in the bedrooms.

Police Report

Police Report, Suicide Attempt

Fire Department assisted a female who had cut herself with a piece of wood at the facility. Juvenile was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police Report

Assault, Police Report

On September 29, 2024, I (Officer French 367) was dispatched to 2466 South 48th Street for a disturbance call. The caller stated that 7-8 residents were causing issues and attacking the staff. Upon arrival, Officer Moore 397 made contact with the caller Kristopher Teed. Kristopher explained that the building is housing about thirty female juveniles. He stated about seven of them were making threats and had attacked the staff before. Once inside the building, the female juveniles are heard yelling and screaming. The juveniles are heard screaming profanities at the staff and officers. The staff member who was attacked was identified as Jaibriel Burke. The suspect juvenile is identified as [redacted].

While speaking with Jaibriel, juveniles in the rec room started destroying property in the room. Staff members went into the rooms and the juveniles started attacking the staff. One female juvenile had to be restrained due to attacking Kristopher. Kristopher stated he wanted to press charges so the female juvenile identified as [redacted] was detained.

While speaking with Juvenile Intake Officers, they advised that they would be detaining both of the juveniles and requested that officers transport them to the Washington County Juvenile Detention Center. Both juveniles were given a court date and transported to Washington County JDC.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

On 09/29/24, client was transported to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital for evaluation for a left wrist injury. She reported to nursing staff that she punched the window on the door. The resident was diagnosed with a left wrist contusion and prescribed 600mg Ibuprofen every six hours as needed for pain.

PRLU or OLTC

JDC, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

On 09/29/24, the Springdale Police Department was called to respond to an incident on scene. During their visit, resident attacked and assaulted several staff. She was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center and was scheduled for court on 09/30/24 at 08:10. She returned to Perimeter on 09/30/24 at approximately 14:00.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

Licensing visited facility to review video footage of incident: A resident was seen standing on a chair and removing a light fixture cover in the sunroom. A staff member can be seen walking into the unit and initiating a restraint on the resident. The staff and resident struggle for a moment, and another staff takes over the restraint. Police arrived and transported resident.

Facility detailed preventative measures regarding De-escalation Training, Therapeutic Interventions and Programming, Trauma-Informed Care Approach, and Leadership Review of Emergency Safety Interventions (ESIs).

PRLU or OLTC

JDC, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

On 09/29/24, the Springdale Police Department was called on resident. On 09/28/24, the resident assaulted multiple staff and was exhibiting the same aggression that evening. She was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center and was scheduled for court on 09/30/24 at 08:00. She returned to Perimeter on 09/30/24 at approximately 14:00.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

Licensing visited facility to review video footage of incident: Multiple residents can be seen becoming dysregulated, and at one point a resident followed a nurse out of another unit and went to the door of the blue unit, causing residents in the blue unit to become more physical. Police were contacted because the environment was becoming more unsafe. The residents continued to posture and instigate until the police arrived.

Facility staff states they are implementing preventative measures to ensure safety. Facility states they are focusing on escalation and training staff to be aware of the actions, moods, and verbal cues of residents showing aggression or dysregulation.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Redacted, Visit Compliance Report

On 09/30/24, client wrote a grievance that stated, “[redacted] put bruises on me.” A report was made to the AR Child Abuse Hotline and accepted. The client reported it happened during a restraint on Saturday (9/28/24). Client does have bruising on both arms. Camera was reviewed for that incident and the client was in a restraint; however, [redacted] was not the staff involved in the hold. Justification and execution of the restraint aligns with state, facility, and Handle with Care regulations. Staff member in allegation suspended.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

10/3/24 – Licensing conducted a visit and reviewed camera footage for restraints on 9/28/24 and 9/29/24. Restraint packets were reviewed as part of the Corrective Action Agreement and the complaint. “Licensing is not prepared to leave a finding at this time.”

10/23/24 – CACD case unsubstantiated and ICA was lifted. Licensing unfounded this complaint.

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

Client reported to staff that she wasn’t feeling well. She appeared to be shaking and very pale. During her assessment, she stood up and immediately collapsed on the floor, becoming lethargic and bradycardic. EMS was called and the resident was taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Diagnosis: Urinary Tract Infection. Client was prescribed cephalexin.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

A visit was conducted to review personnel records. Licensing spoke with the facility concerning training for Restraints documentation for a staff member. Facility reported that the staff member does not participate in holds.

PRLU or OLTC

Corrective Action Agreement

This document constitutes a formal Corrective Action Agreement (CAA) agreed upon by Perimeter Behavioral of the Ozarks and the Department of Human Services, Placement and Residential Licensing Unit. The following non-compliance areas have been cited during the past six months:

-Citations issued on 5/29/24, 7/3/24, 8/15/24, and 8/27/24 regarding mandated reporting.

-Citations issued on 8/7/24, 8/15/24 and 8/26/24 regarding behavior management and restraint documentation.

Police Report

Police Report, Sexual Assault

Officers received a report from the Arkansas State Police regarding an abuse investigation. The investigator informed officers that there was nothing of substance for law enforcement to initiate an investigation. The suspect’s attorney declined an interview. At this time there is no evidence of any crime being committed. Case closed.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Sexual Contact, Redacted, Visit Compliance Report

While being interviewed regarding another referral, client disclosed that approximately 3 months ago a peer had made client finger her and then the peer fingered client. She said it was in the doorway of the room when staff would walk the other way. Client said there was a look out, but she could not remember who. She said this occurred under the clothes and it happened one time. Residents were separated and placed on peer restriction.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

10/14/2024 – Licensing Specialist reviewed notes for the maltreatment case.

CACD case unsubstantiated. The complaint has been unfounded by Licensing.

Police Report

Assault, Police Report

Officers received a report from the Arkansas State Police regarding an abuse investigation. Officers reviewed the video of the incident and agreed there was no evidence of a crime and the case could be closed.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Sexual Maltreatment, Visit Compliance Report

A resident spoke to her caseworker and indicated a staff member had acted in an inappropriate manner. The resident wrote a statement for the Director of Risk Management that said the accused staff member asked the resident if she would ever “mess with him”. The resident said no, but one night woke up to find him watching her from the doorway. She stated the staff member entered her bedroom and began touching her. She says she asked him to stop, but he wouldn’t. She reported that afterward, he handed her his vape and told her he’d come to get it in a little bit. The staff member was placed on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice

Program Coordinator discussed the incident with facility leadership. The facility reported that 39 hours of camera footage was reviewed by the CEO. The staff member named in this complaint was not observed entering the resident’s bedroom at any time. The staff member was observed standing outside the resident’s doorway for 30 seconds during room checks. The facility reported after their internal investigation it was determined that the incident did not happen. the staff member is scheduled to return to work and will be re-trained on verbal de-escalation.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Physical Maltreatment, Visit Compliance Report

Complaint received states that a staff member became upset with a resident when she left the day area to sit in her bedroom. The resident stated that when she refused to leave her room, the staff member picked her up and slammed her into the wall. She reported that she was scratched on her neck/shoulder area during the incident.

The resident was medically assessed and treated with topical medication. The Director of Risk and Director of Nursing reviewed camera footage and determined excessive force was not used. The staff member received Handle With Care refresher training on 8/16/24.

Licensing Specialist: Chelsea Vardell

Licensing visited the facility and reviewed camera footage of the incident. Several staff members can be seen going to the resident’s bedroom door. The facility reports that the resident is in her bedroom yelling/making noise that is disrupting the unit at this time. The accused staff member and a nurse enter the resident’s bedroom. The camera does not capture what occurs in the room. Moments later the resident is seen being restrained by the staff member and walked to the seclusion room. Video from the seclusion room shows that the resident is escalated, as she kicks the door and dances. Later, the resident is restrained and the nurse administers a chemical restraint. After she is released, she returns willingly to her unit and goes to bed.

The facility reports that the resident made a grievance report on 8/13/24. Licensing asks facility why the incident wasn’t reported to the child abuse hotline. The facility responded that the nurse who entered the room with the accused staff member reported that she did not witness any maltreatment. Licensing requested copies of all witness statements.

The facility was cited for 110.9.a: Staff shall immediately notify the Child Abuse Hotline if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to child maltreatment.

This complaint has been Unfounded by Licensing. Suspension for accused staff may be lifted and he may return to normal job duties.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Physical Maltreatment

Three residents were involved in an incident in which they engaged in property damage. Staff intervened and all three residents were restrained. During the debriefing, a nurse raised concerns regarding the level of force deployed by staff. The Director of Nursing reviewed camera footage and noted that actions by three staff members did not align with company policy. Specifically, it appeared that one staff member twice kicked a resident being restrained on the ground. Another staff member was seen swinging her fist at a resident to get her to release a staff’s hair from a hair pull, and later hitting a resident to get them to release another staff member. The third staff member is seen leaning over the resident on the ground with his forearm pressed against her neck.

After the incident, the residents were medically assessed. One resident presented with a bump on the back of the head and a split lip.

All three staff members were suspended pending the investigation outcome.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice

Program Coordinator met with leadership at the facility to discuss the complaint. Program Coordinator sat in on the interview with one of the residents. When asked if she had any bruises, the resident showed a faded bruise and another marking on the inside of her right arm.

Video footage was reviewed by Licensing and confirmed the reported events. All three staff members have been terminated in response to the incident. The residents were placed on assault precautions and increased supervision. The facility was cited for 109.1.g: Unprofessional conduct in the practice of child welfare activities; 905.4.g: Physical injury or threat of injury shall not be used, including as discipline; 905.9: Physical restraints shall be performed using minimal force and time necessary; 110.9.c: Staff in a child welfare agency shall immediately notify the Child Abuse Hotline if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in child maltreatment.

This complaint has been Founded by Licensing.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Sexual Contact

The Director of Risk received two Resident Grievance Forms dated 08/11/24. Both forms indicated sexual misconduct occurred between residents, with one resident alleging her peer went into her bathroom and fingered her while she was showering, and her peer stating the resident followed her into the bathroom and told the peer to touch her, which she noted she did. Residents were moved to separate units while investigation was ongoing and placed on sexual acting out precautions..

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice

Program Coordinator discussed the provider-reported incident and reviewed the camera footage. It was reported that due to the resident’s shower being inoperable, she was told to use her peer’s shower. Her Peer is observed walking down the hallway and popping in and out of the bedroom a few times. There is no camera in the bedroom, so Program Coordinator was unable to review what took place. Due to the camera angle and distance, Program Coordinator could not determine what the residents were doing while sitting on the floor. It appeared that the residents were face-to-face a few times while sitting on the floor.

Staff members were sitting at the desk with one staff member’s back toward the resident and the other staff member facing a wall in the dayroom. Facility will be cited for 907.2 due to staff not providing adequate supervision. The facility has put a policy in place that was provided to Licensing. The facility stated staff were retrained on hygiene/shower time.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

A resident reported to staff that her right index finger was swollen and she was experiencing 10/10 pain. The resident stated her finger bent backward when a peer accidentally stepped on her hand. The resident was assessed, and swelling was noted throughout the index finger and hand. She was given a bag of ice and PRN pain medication. The medical provider was notified and ordered the resident to Ozark Orthopedic Urgent Care, where her finger and hand were X-rayed and splinted. The resident will follow up at the Orthopedic office in two weeks.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Sexual Contact Forced

A resident (he/him) reported to staff that while he and a peer were sitting on the floor in the Dayroom with a chair flipped to its side, his peer asked the resident if she could finger him. The resident reported that he didn’t say anything when his peer pulled down his pants and fingered him. He reported feeling very uncomfortable. When asked when this occurred, he reported, “I don’t really know.” He did identify what staff was working. The residents were moved to separate units and an investigation was opened.

Licensing reviewed the provider-reported incident. Licensing followed up with the facility to review supervision concerns.

Police Report

Police Report, Redacted, Sex Offence

Officers received a report of a new investigation of sexual offenses by Arkansas State Police. Officers attended interviews and received statements. Video footage was reviewed.

The video evidence does not support the sequence of events as described by the reporting resident. No sufficient probable cause found.

Police Report

Forcible Fondling, Police Report

On 07/17/24 a Child Abuse report was received from Arkansas State Police Investigator in regards to a new report. On the evening of 07/16/24, Juvenile 1 and Juvenile 2 submitted statements to the Director of Risk (DOR) regarding the alleged sexual misconduct of Juvenile 3 in which J1 reports, “they would bend me over and touch my boobs and butt and flash me and try to see me change like holding my bathroom door open and looking.” The DOR verified that J3 was assigned her own room and staff was in ratio. On the morning of 07/17/24, the DOR interviewed the youth. During J1s interview, she claimed that on multiple occasions over the last few weeks, J3 touched her breast and butt and laughs off her attempts to say no. She also reported that J3 has flashed her breast at J1 a couple of times and has tried to hold her bathroom door open while she is changing. Both J1 and J2 stated they witnessed this behavior. A peer restriction is in place while this is an ongoing investigation.

On 7/19/24, [redacted] was interviewed by State Police Investigator. J1 denied any type of unwanted sexual contact or battery, and described most of the activity as playful conduct that most of the girls in the behavioral unit do. State Police closed this case as unfounded.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Sexual Contact Forced, Visit Compliance Report

Residents submitted statements to the Director of Risk regarding allegations of sexual misconduct by a peer. Reports stated, “They would bend me over and touch my boobs and butt and flash me and try to see me change, like holding my bathroom door open and looking.”

The Director of Risk verified room assignments and that staff was in ratio, then interviewed the reporting resident. The incident was reported to Licensing and the residents were placed on peer restriction and alternate unit programming.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

Licensing Specialist visited the facility to review the video footage. Video footage shows resident “twerking” and receiving a kiss from another resident. Licensing Specialist reviewed the incident with facility staff and discussed the need for increased supervision during hygiene time. Documentation of new hygiene time routine received.

This complaint has been Unfounded by Licensing.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Sexual Contact Forced, Visit Compliance Report

Resident reported that a peer kissed her twice and forced her to lick her peer’s vagina. The resident reported she and her peers were playing Truth or Dare and another peer dared the resident’s peer to kiss her. The resident reported her peer had turned her around and kissed her, then followed her into the bathroom where her peer forced her to lick her vagina.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

7/19/24: Licensing Specialist visited the facility to review camera footage and discuss the incident with facility staff. Video shows residents in the day room. When a staff member leaves the day room, the two residents enter the first bedroom door where residents use the restroom. The two residents are out of view for approximately 20 seconds, then re-enter the day room.

Licensing specialist reviewed the incident with staff and discussed implementations for increased supervision during hygiene time and providing more structure. The facility will provide documentation of the implementation by 7/26/24.

This complaint has been Unfounded by Licensing.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm, Visit Compliance Report

Resident used a piece of plastic from a deodorant bottle to self-harm her right forearm. The resident was assessed and sent to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for evaluation. The resident received 6 sutures to close the wound and was discharged with orders to apply antibiotic ointment on the laceration until the stitches were removed. The resident returned to the facility, where she was placed on Self-Harm precautions. Staff performed a contraband sweep of all units.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

Licensing Specialist visited the facility to review video footage of the incident. Resident used a cap from a stick of deodorant, which she was able to break and sharpen to cause the lacerations. Facility staff are implementing a plan to ensure hygiene products are accounted for after hygiene time. Facility staff will provide documentation of the implementation when completed.

PRLU or OLTC

Complaint, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Complaint received by Placement and Residential Licensing Unit (PRLU) alleges that a resident arrived at the facility in April, but did not have an adequate master treatment plan. The complaint also alleges that there have been multiple “unit against unit” brawls at the facility.

7/10/24: The complaint was reviewed by Licensing.

8/7/24 Program Manager and Licensing Specialist visited the facility to review children’s records.

Licensing Specialist: Chelsea Vardell

Licensing reviewed two resident’s records. Resident 1’s file contained a master treatment plan that included no reviews since May 2024. A restraint packet was found in the records that did not contain a physician’s orders for the restraint. Additionally, four other restraints were documented, but no corresponding restraint packets could be found. Resident 2’s file contained a master treatment plan dated 7/25/24, but the resident had been admitted on 4/24/24. The facility could not produce the original treatment plan for this resident. Additionally, a review of the physician’s orders showed that the resident had been placed in restraints on two occasions, but there was no restraint documentation accompanying those orders. The resident has only received family therapy with her guardian one time since her admission, although she is supposed to receive family therapy twice a month.

Facility cited as follows:

903.4 – Treatment plans were found not to have been developed within 30 days of admission

903.8 – Treatment plan reviews were not present in files

905.11 – Physician’s orders were not found regarding chemical restraints given to resident.

905.12 – Physician’s orders were not found regarding physical restraints performed on resident.

905.17 – Documentation of restraints were not found in resident’s records.