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

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Resident1 was escalated and trying to fight another resident. Staff tried to remove the other resident, and Resident1 tried to follow and run off the unit. The accused staff grabbed Resident1 and pushed her back on the unit, knocking her to the floor. This was discovered while reviewing camera footage of a second incident. The second incident was reported by staff to Licensing, DON, and CEO. A Staff member reported that during the second incident occurring 20 minutes after the first, the accused staff hit Resident1 in the back. Accused staff reported that Resident1 bit her while staff was trying to separate Resident1 and another resident who were fighting. Both incidents were reported to the child abuse hotline. Corrective Action: Accused staff was suspended immediately. Resident1 and the other resident who were fighting have been separated.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell

Video footage was reviewed by Licensing for the two incidents. Incident 1 – The accused staff bumps the alleged victim with her shoulder and then pushes her to the floor. Incident 2 – Resident1 can be seen with staff’s right arm around her face. Resident1 bites staff. Staff hits Resident1 in the center of her back with a fist because she was not releasing the bite.

Facility is being cited 109.1g for unprofessional conduct for engaging in behavior that could be dangerous, and physically harmful to children. The facility has terminated the accused staff. Residents have been moved to different units and staff have been retrained on resident/staff interaction.

CACD accepted for the hit, documented only for the push. CACD unsubstantiated. Licensing founded.

Police Report

Criminal Mischief

Staff advised dispatch that she wanted to file a report due to 2 residents putting things in her water. Staff advised one juvenile spit in her water and the other put a green squishy in her water. Staff requested an officer respond to the facility as soon as possible. Officer spoke with the staff member and she was given her options.

Police Report

Sex Offenses

A report was received from Arkansas State Police Investigator. The report stated that a resident at the facility reported that 2 staff members have been sexually assaulting her. “On Thursday, 10/19/23, Alleged Victim was in the shower when [staff 1] and [staff 2] came in and held her arms. Alleged Victim advised that [staff 1] put his penis in her front (vagina) and [staff 2] put his penis in her back (anal), after ejaculating they switched places and did it again. They both took pictures of Alleged Victim. Alleged Victim stated that [staff 1] and [staff 2] put their penis in her mouth and ejaculated. Alleged Victim advised she was bleeding from her front and back. It was reported that Alleged Victim has been sexually assaulted orally and penetration by [staff 1] and [staff 2] with the last time being 10/24/2023.” The resident alleged there have been verbal threats to not tell anyone but on the 24th [staff] put a knife to her throat saying he would kill her if she told someone.

CACD investigator interviewed resident, during which more details were provided. Both staff members were interviewed who denied the allegations.

Facility internal investigation: After video review, neither staff member was with the resident alone or off camera. Due to being on self-harm precautions, the resident sleeps in the dayroom and does not have access to her room for most of the day. The only time the resident was in their room was for showers. Camera footage shows they were in their room alone, no staff went into the room. On multiple occasions the resident reported allegations while in the shower but the resident didn’t take showers on those days. Multiple staff and residents have reported that this resident has made comments that they are trying to get these staff members fired and also made statements that these allegations are false.

At this time, there is no evidence that a crime has been committed. This case will be submitted for Inactive Case Status Review pending further information upon the examination of the SA kit.

Police Report

Assault & Battery

Staff advised dispatch that a resident had thrown a cup of water on her and was still being violent. Officer responded and made contact with staff who explained a resident had gotten upset with her and started throwing things around, and at one point threw a cup of water at her which got her wet. Staff said the resident came towards her and she grabbed the resident’s arms to prevent any further issues. Staff was upset about what happened and wished for resident to be taken to JDC. Officer explained JDC would not take the resident based off of what happened. Officer informed staff the incident would be documented. Officer asked what measures were being made to prevent further issues and staff stated the resident was moved to another unit.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Resident tried to become assaultive towards another resident. When staff intervened, this resident went into their room and closed the door. Staff followed and found resident beginning to attempt to self-harm with her clothes. Staff retrieved item from resident before they were successful. At this point resident became assaultive to staff and had to be placed in a restraint for safety. Resident was eventually able to be released from restraint. Resident is on self-harm and assault precautions.

Facility informed licensing that the resident did not have string in her clothing.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Resident reported to staff that on different occasions, 2 male staff members performed sexual acts on her ranging from inappropriate touch to vaginal penetration. Child Abuse Hotline was called and accepted. An internal investigation was initiated and the 2 staff members were suspended. Resident was assessed at the Child Safety Center. Resident reported these incidents occurred in the shower or bedroom where there are no cameras available, but upon camera review, it was concluded that neither staff member was with the resident alone or off camera.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell.

On 10/27/2023, a visit was conducted at the facility to review camera footage. Timeframes viewed on 10/18/2023 (17:00 – 21:06), 10/19/2023 (18:04 – 23:30), 10/23/2023 (15:00 – 20:34). The resident can be seen on camera walking to her room to take a shower. No staff person entered the residents room during shower times. The resident was in her room for two minutes each day to retrieve her mattress because she sleeps in the day room. Other than those times the resident can be seen sitting in the day room. Video footage from the unit also revealed the two staff persons alleged in the report are not seen working on the unit together at any point during these time frames. The only time the two staff persons are working together is when the resident is being escorted. The facility utilized the two male staff to escort the resident because of her large size and unpredictability and as a safety precaution should the resident become dysregulated.

CACD investigation was unsubstantiated. Licensing investigation determined to be unfounded. ICA’s for both staff members have been lifted.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Resident began banging head on wall, pulling her hair out, throwing any object she could find, and assaulted staff several times. Resident was placed in a physical hold to maintain her safety and the safety of the staff. Once she was able to regulate, have a calm demeanor, and contract for safety, she was transitioned out of hold. No injuries sustained. Resident to remain on self-harm and assault precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Resident began banging their head on the cafeteria wall and was unable to be de-escalated. Resident was placed in a restraint for safety. Once resident was safe she was released. Upon processing with staff, resident said that she had a flashback that had triggered her. Resident to remain on self-harm precautions.

Police Report

Sex Offenses

Officer responded to facility for a welfare check. Caller/guardian advised that about 50 minutes before she called the police department, her husband was on the phone with her daughter who is a patient at Perimeter. While on the phone, juvenile told her father she had been sexually assaulted. Since the phone call, caller said she had attempted to contact juvenile multiple times, but since patients couldn’t have phones, she was not successful as one from Perimeter would answer the phone. Caller also stated her husband heard a staff member say they would look into it.

Upon arrival, the staff acted as if they had not heard of the allegations and didn’t know what the officer was talking about. Officer made contact with juvenile, who reported that on 10/19/23, her roommate had raped her. Juvenile advised she told her roommate she needed a “sneaky-link” because she thought her boyfriend was cheating on her. She said the two kissed, but that her roommate didn’t stop there. She reported her roommate told her she would kill her if she told anyone what happened and continued forcing herself on juvenile. Juvenile said her roommate made her suck on her breast and she reported there was a hickey from her doing it. Juvenile also reported the roommate licked her vagina and stuck her fingers in her vagina. Officer noted that during his interview with the juvenile, she became emotional and started to cry.

Officer spoke with staff who made arrangements for juvenile to be moved rooms. Caller/guardian advised officer she was on her way to the facility to remove juvenile. Perimeter acknowledged they were made aware about an hour prior to officer’s arrival and stated they were completing the hotline while officer was on scene and would email the referral number. As of 1630 hours on 10/22/23, they had not sent the referral number so this officer completed a hotline and received confirmation #.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Altercation, Self-Harm

Resident began antagonizing multiple peers, demanding for them to hit her in multiple situations and residents had to be separated. One instance turned into an altercation and that resident was removed as well. After residents were separated, this resident ran into her room and tried to lock herself in. Staff caught the door and did not allow that to happen. Resident began scratching at her hands and banging her head against the wall. Resident was not able to be de-escalated and had to be put into a physical restraint for safety. During restraint, resident continued to try and bang her head on the floor which was prevented by staff. Resident received emergency medication while restrained and was able to eventually calm down enough to process and be released. Resident placed on self-harm precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported resident had begun self-harming due to being upset. Resident would not disclose what had made them upset and initial verbal redirection and de-escalation was unsuccessful. Staff called the nurse who was able to process with patient and have them stop self-harming. Resident remains on self-harm precautions.

Facility informed licensing that the resident was scratching herself.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported resident became triggered by a peer self-harming. Resident asked staff to go to the bathroom and when staff checked on her a few minutes later, resident did not respond so staff entered the bathroom. Upon entry it was discovered that she was self-harming with her nails. Staff was able to verbally process and redirect. Resident placed on self-harm precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported resident was taken off the unit due to her reporting that she was being triggered by another resident screaming. Once off the unit, resident began banging her head on the wall and window near the comfort room. Resident had to be placed in a restraint for safety and because she was not able to be verbally de-escalated. Resident was released from the restraint after calming down and no longer being a threat to herself. Resident to remain on self-harm precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported resident had been sitting in a corner facing away from them and they were concerned she had been self-harming. When staff went to check on resident they discovered resident was ripping up their paper scrubs. Staff requested the ripped up pieces which the resident initially refused to hand over. Resident eventually became agitated and gave staff scrub pieces but then went down hallway and began banging their head on the wall. Resident eventually was able to be redirected and verbally de-escalated. Resident will remain on self-harm precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Resident began banging her head on the wall and hitting/kicking staff. Resident was placed in a physical hold to maintain safety, and released once she was able to regulate and contract for safety. No injuries sustained. Resident placed on self-harm and assault precautions with constant line of sight.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported resident became escalated due to being told they could not have their blanket over their head. Staff asked resident to remove blanket and resident became verbally aggressive. Staff removed blanket and resident took contraband out of their pocket and started attempting to self-harm with it. Staff retrieved object. Resident then began banging their head on the wall. Staff placed hand on wall to prevent injury. Resident continued to escalate and had to be restrained. Once restrained resident was able to de-escalate and return to demonstrating safe behaviors. Patient placed on self-harm precautions.

11/1/2023 – The facility reported the contraband was a piece of plastic, it was unknown where it came from.

Police Report

Assault

Staff wanted to file a report regarding a fight between 3 residents. Staff advised officers they could interview the victim, but the suspects would likely attack us so that they could go to JDC. Resident (victim) advised officer that she was punched on the side of the head by peer (suspect 1) on 10/18/23 while they were going to school. Resident (victim) advised officer that today, the same peer started punching her on the side of the head again. Staff pulled peer off of resident, and another peer (suspect 2) then hit resident on the head. Resident reported her head and right ear hurt. Officer filed report. Staff advised they would not release video without a court order.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported resident became dysregulated due to another resident “telling lies” about them. Staff tried to process but resident was unable to be de-escalated. Resident continued to bite and hit herself and had to be restrained. While restrained, resident was able to process and verbalize plan for safety. No injury occurred. Resident placed on self-harm precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported that resident was picking at scabs on their arm. Resident continued to escalate and eventually ripped the head off of another resident’s stuffed animal and took a plastic piece off of it and began trying to self-harm on their arms and thighs. Resident was able to eventually be de-escalated and staff was able to obtain the plastic piece. Resident was given basic first aid and will continue to be on self-harm precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Resident became dysregulated due to another resident being too loud. This resident threw a cup of water across the unit and when staff tried to redirect her, she began hitting herself in the head. Staff tried to physically block her from hitting herself and resident began assaulting staff. Resident was placed in a restraint for safety. While restrained resident was able to calm down and verbalize plan of safety. Resident placed on self-harm and assault precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported resident became upset and took a staff’s notebook from the staff table and started to take it apart. Resident took a piece of the metal from the notebook and attempted to self-harm with it. Resident was restrained for safety and staff were able to retrieve the piece from resident. Patient remained escalated while restrained and required emergency medications. After emergency medication administration resident was able to calm down.

Licensing Specialist inquired about the corrective action regarding the metal binders. 10/31/2023 – Metal Binders will no longer be used.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Sexual Contact, Visit Compliance Report

Client alleged that her and a peer kissed, and the peer began grabbing her breasts and made contact with her vagina without her consent. Client stated peer forced her to give her hickies on her boobs. The event was reported to have happened in their bedroom overnight on 10/19/23, but on 10/23/23, staff overheard resident on the phone describing the event to her mother. An internal investigation was initiated. Statements were taken and cameras were reviewed, but because the event happened in a bedroom, there is no camera access to review. Residents were separated and placed on different units, and peer was placed on sexual misconduct precautions with constant line of sight. Child Abuse Hotline was called and accepted.

Licensing Specialist: Jarred Parnell.

Camera footage was reviewed for 10/19/2023 from 8:48 PM – 11:00 PM to ensure regular bed checks were conducted.

Facility cited 907.6: Staff did not complete visual checks on each sleeping resident for one hour and seven minutes (9:50 PM – 10:57 PM).

CACD investigation was unsubstantiated. The Licensing complaint was unfounded.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported resident became upset after they were caught passing and receiving notes. Another resident gave the staff the notes and then this resident began pinching her arms repeatedly trying to self-harm. Resident was able to be de-escalated with no injury other than reddened skin spots on her arms. Resident placed on self-harm precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported that resident was chewing on her finger. After being given an alternative safe for chewing, they then began self-harming on their hand. Upon staff trying to redirect resident the resident tried to bite staff. After some time staff were able to verbally de-escalate and resident quit self-harming. Resident to remain on self-harm precautions.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff reported resident was refusing to return to classroom and began self-harming by scratching her arms. Resident was able to be verbally de-escalated and returned to classroom. No injury reported, just reddened area of skin. Resident on self-harm precautions.