Disability Rights Arkansas

Youth Home

*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: Little Rock, AR

Population Served: Adolescents 12-17 years of age in need of mental health services on a 24 hour a day basis.

# of residents per unit: 12 Residents per room: 1-2 Capacity: 54

Contact with family (Calls and visit schedule): Kids have daily contact with their family either via zoom, face time calls, or phone calls. In the evening they are given time to call families and their families are welcome to call anytime during the day. Outside of Covid-19 Restrictions families can visit on the weekends and once during the week.

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

Treatment Components:

Clinical Director – LPC

Therapists: 8 full-time therapists (4 LAC, 3 LCSW, 1 LPE-1); 1 part-time/contract therapists (1 LCSW)

Treatment modalities offered: EMDR, TF-CBT, ARC, Brain Spotting, Trauma-Focused Family Therapy, Reactive Attachment Multi-Family Group

# of individual therapy sessions/week: 2-3x/week

# of group therapy sessions led by a licensed mental health professional/week: 2-4x/week

# of family therapy sessions/week: 1x/week

Print this page

Police Report

Theft

Deputy was given a telephone number in reference to theft of property. ​​Upon calling,​ staff reported that the Youth Home recently purchased Apple iPad Pros 11 inch (3rd generation) for each student last August. Inventory inspection for the iPads was recently conducted, and they noticed there was an iPad missing from one of the teacher’s rooms.​​ Deputy advised staff to track the missing iPad using Find My iPad. Staff advised if she have any successful results,​ she would contact Deputy LeFlore on his personal cellular device.

Police Report

Battery

Officer was dispatched to facility in reference to a battery. Upon arrival, officer was advised that the complainant was at the Sheriff’s Office and wanted a deputy to take photographs of his child, who was currently at Youth Home. The complainant advised that his child was assaulted by another resident on 4/2/24.

While on scene at Youth Home, officer made contact with the victim, who stated that another resident struck her twice in the back of the head with a closed fist, leaving a knot. The victim stated the incident occurred 4/2/24 around 1615 hours. The accused resident was involved in a confrontation with someone else, but when they walked past the victim, they punched the victim twice in the back of the head, unprovoked. The incident occurred with staff members present. The victim stated that the incident left her with pain and feeling dizzy. The victim advised that she did not feel pain anywhere else, and there were no obvious bruises on her.

On 4/4/24, officers responded to Youth Home for follow up. Information was added to the report due to the victim’s father wishing to pursue charges.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

Patient reported to the nurse that he slipped on a bedsheet next to his bed last night and lost his balance, which led to him falling onto his bed and jamming his hand onto the plastic bed frame while trying to catch himself. Patient reported soreness to his left hand, and the nurse noted an abrasion and purple discoloration to his hand. Client was taken to Urgent Care and diagnosed with contusion of left hand. Radial gutter splint applied to left forearm, wrist and digits. Client was placed on activity limit and will have a follow up appointment in two weeks (possible hairline fracture). Client was diagnosed with contusion and MCP sprain at follow up appointment. No fracture noted.

Medicaid Inspection of Care

Corrective Action Plan, Inspection of Care Report

Multiple deficiencies were noted during the Inpatient Psychiatric Inspection of Care (IOC) conducted on 03/13/24.

Police Report

Elopement

On 3/13/24,​ at approximately 1916 hours,​ officers responded to Youth Home in regards to two runaway juveniles. ​Upon arrival,​ officers canvassed the area and spoke with Youth Home employees. Officers were unable to locate the juveniles. A staff member advised that at approximately 1912 hours, she was allowing the boys that resided in the Sturgis House to play basketball outside. Staff stated that both juveniles took off running toward Colonel Glenn Rd. ​Staff then notified her supervisor who notified 911. Youth Home employees then canvassed the area as well, but were unable to locate the boys.

On 3/14/24,​ at approximately 1837 hours, officer​ was informed by dispatch that the juveniles had been located by Benton PD. Benton PD advised they had both juveniles, who an officer was able to locate behind the Urban Air Park located in Benton with the help of one of the juvenile’s Grandmother. Both juveniles were transported back to the Youth Home where they were relinquished into their custody.

PRLU or OLTC

Elopement, Notice of Incident

On 3/13/24 at approximately 7:50pm, 2 residents eloped from the facility courtyard area. Both were seen running across Colonel Glenn, then going behind a house and into the woods. Staff continued to search and were unable to find the residents. Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department responded and took a report. The safety plan for when/if the residents return to Youth Home campus is: Run Risk and House Restrictions.

Facility reported the residents were returned to the facility on 3/14/24 at 7:20pm by law enforcement. Program Coordinator requested and reviewed the police report.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

Patient caught a football that was thrown by another peer and hurt her finger (suspected to be jammed). Nurse assessed patient and noted swelling to her finger. Ibuprofen provided for pain. Nurse assessed patient on 3/15/24 and patient was taken to Urgent Care. Diagnosis: Vular plate avulsion fracture. Patient’s finger was placed in a splint and ace wrap. Patient will have a follow-up appointment at Ortho Arkansas on 03/20/24.

Police Report

Medical

Officer responded to Youth Home ​in reference to a medical emergency. Upon arrival, staff informed officer that patient had a seizure. ​MEMS ​and West Pulaski Fire Department arrived on scene. ​The nurse advised the patient does not have a history of seizures,​ however,​ he stated she ​has a history of behavioral issues that mimic seizures. ​MEMS ​transported her to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. ​

PRLU or OLTC

Medical, Notice of Incident

Patient was playing outside behind the administration building with peers and reported shortness of breath, body aches, and weakness. Forehead was damp with perspirations. Patient laid on the ground with shallow breathing and nurse was alerted to respond to assess. After five minutes, patient was escorted with assistance to the house.

While at the house, patient’s pulse and blood pressure declined to unremarkable ranges. Patient became totally unresponsive to questioning of staff and MEMS was notified. MEMS arrived and patient remained unresponsive throughout care while visible. Patient was transported Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Diagnosis: Syncope. Patient returned to Youth Home in the evening on 3/3/24.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

Patient reported to nurse that she was playing outside with peers and a ball struck her finger, causing some discomfort. Nurse assessed the patient and provided comfort measures and monitoring. Bruising developed overnight, and patient was taken to Urgent Care for evaluation. Diagnosis: Fracture to finger. Patient instructed to wear splint and will follow-up with Ortho Arkansas.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

Staff contacted a nurse to speak with the patient because she refused to leave her peer’s doorway. After refusing staff redirections, staff ultimately took the patient out of the doorway and led her into seclusion. While in seclusion, the patient was placed in a personal restraint after she began biting herself and banging her head against the wall. When the nurse requested if she could look at the self-inflicted bite wounds, the patient refused, so staff placed her in another personal restraint so the nurse could examine her. Shortly later, the on-call therapist arrived to try to speak with the patient. However, the patient was not willing to talk. Patient exited the isolation room and began roaming the home. The patient attempted to run into the laundry area, but was restrained briefly before being placed in lock isolation. While in lock seclusion, she was placed in another personal restraint after she began hitting on the window. The patient eventually calmed down and was freed. No injuries or pain noted. Patient was transferred to Rivendell Behavior Health facility due to unstable behaviors.

3/4/2024 – Licensing inquired of property damage and if the resident returned to Youth Home. Facility reported to Licensing that the resident tried to tear the laundry room door off the hinges, and reported the resident returned to the facility from her acute stay.

PRLU or OLTC

Accidental Injury, Notice of Incident

While heading back to Siebert School to change classes, client and her class were redirected about picking up pinecones, sticks, and more that were on the ground and also about throwing those items at one another. A peer accidentally hit client in her left eye with a stick. Client was assessed by a nurse and taken to Urgent Care to have her eye further evaluated. Diagnosis: Corneal abrasion. Client prescribed Polytrim eye drops x7 days.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Peer Sexual Contact, Visit Compliance Report

As residents were headed back to the house from the cafe, client got out of line and walked up to her peer and grabbed her butt inappropriately. After grabbing her butt, she proceeded to slap her on the butt. The peer turned around in disbelief. Staff then told client to step out of line to talk to her about her actions. A report was made to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline (accepted). Both residents stay in the same residential house, but provisions have been put in place. They are not going to have access to each other and must remain 6 feet apart.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Investigator Johnson informed Program Coordinator that she interviewed the resident who reported that her and peer were horseplaying and no harm was done.

4/5/24 – CACD investigation was unsubstantiated. Licensing complaint was unfounded.

Police Report

Disturbance

Officer responded to Youth Home in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, staff advised officer that a student became upset during class and began throwing items around the room. Staff stated they restrained the student before deputies arrived without incident. Officer made contact with the student who advised he was alright.

PRLU or OLTC

Maltreatment, Notice of Incident, Visit Compliance Report

Patient reported he was scratched by staff while in a restraint on 2/21/24. Staff observed some superficial scratches to patient’s left arm. A report was made to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline (accepted). Nursing completed an assessment on 02/22/24 and this is documented on a Nursing Note.

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

ICA approved for staff member involved. Facility visited 2/26/24 and Program Coordinator reviewed camera footage. Client and peer were observed in an altercation and had to be separated. Once client ran after the peer again, staff escorted client to the seclusion room (2 staff on each side of the resident). Once in seclusion, client raised up his sleeves and was heard yelling, then began banging his head on the wall. Staff entered and prevented client from banging his head, and were heard using verbal de-escalation techniques with client.

4/26/24 – CACD investigation was unsubstantiated. Licensing complaint was unfounded.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Suicide Attempt

Client was redirected after he turned his hoodie around facing the hood towards his face. After hearing this redirection, the client bumped his head on the doorsill. Staff spoke with him in an effort to calm him down but he took the hood and pulled it over his face in what appeared to be an attempt to suffocate himself. Staff spoke with him about making good decisions to show safe behavior. He stated he refused to comply if all the staff present stayed near him. Some staff disengaged, and he was able to verbally contract to be safe. Resident was assessed for acute care and transported to acute placement by MEMS. A safety plan was created for his return.

PRLU or OLTC

Visit Compliance Report

Licensing Specialist: Kendra Rice.

Census: 40. Program Coordinator completed buildings and grounds for the PRTF’s Houses (Sturgis, Chestnut, Rose, and Mabee). The following areas were observed: Comfort rooms, day areas, seclusion rooms, game rooms, laundry rooms, milieus, bathrooms, bedrooms, dining area/kitchen, and outside around the houses. No licensing concerns noted.

PRLU or OLTC

Acute Placement, Notice of Incident

Client reported to a Team Member that his suicidal ideations had increased and he had a plan to grab a pencil and stab himself. In Staffing, it was decided to look for an acute placement for the client due to his increased suicidal ideations with a plan. Client was accepted by Methodist Behavioral Hospital and was transported by MEMS. Safety Plan upon client’s return: Eyeball, a SAFE-t assessment will be completed to determine suicide risk, and his safety plan will be reviewed/amended to fit needs at Youth Home.

Police Report

Disturbance

Officers were dispatched to Youth Home in reference to a disturbance.

Officers made contact with staff who advised that client was causing a disturbance and had damaged the frame inside the closet. Staff advised they had to hold the client down to prevent the client from causing more damage to the facility. Officer made contact with client, who advised they did not want to be there, because they did not have a good vibe about the place. Client stated they wanted to return home. Client stated they would continue to give staff a hard time and damage the facility until they removed the client from Youth Home. Staff was advised to call the Sheriff’s office if client’s behavior became irate.

Police Report

Runaway Juvenile

Officer was dispatched to Youth Home in reference to a runaway juvenile who returned.

Staff reported juvenile was “Over-Stimulated” because she and her girlfriend who stays at the Youth Home as well had broken up,​ and that the ex-girlfriend looked at her wrong. Staff reported the juvenile was upset and broke out of the Youth Home and then was located a few moments later by a nurse near a shed. ​The juvenile told the staff that she drank chemicals that were behind the shed. Taylor stated that they were having her transported to the hospital.

Officer observed the front door and appeared it had no damage. Taylor stated that the door is secured by a magnet and if you hit it just right it would open. Officer spoke with the juvenile, who stated she ran down the street and hid behind a shed. Juvenile told officer that she climbed over a shelf in the shed instead of opening the door, and she fell from climbing over the shelf causing the chemical to spill into her mouth. ​MEMs transported juvenile to Children’s Hospital.

PRLU or OLTC

Elopement, Medical, Notice of Incident

Patient eloped from Mabee house and was found multiple houses down hiding in shrubbery. She returned to Mabee house at about 1810. Upon arrival back to Mabee house, patient’s clothing was wet and covered in mud/leaves. Nurse noted 2 superficial scratches to patient’s L arm, scant blood at site and 1 superficial scratch to R inner ankle, scant blood at site. Patient told nurse she received these ‘from some barbed wire’. Patient told staff that she drank something from behind a house that she believed to be chemicals. Patient reported it was in a bin and that she fell into the bin which led to the unknown substance splashing onto her legs/arms and into her mouth.

MEMS was contacted and client was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital and then acute placement.

Program Coordinator inquired about the chemicals and if resident will be returning. Facility reported the chemicals were ingested when the resident eloped. Resident will be returning to the facility after discharge from acute care.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

When it was time to return to rooms, client refused to follow staff direction. Also a peer made a comment about dating her mother. Client began to grab nearby items to destroy, then went to the water fountain and spit on the faucet/spigot. Client sat in the middle of the hallway and would not move. Personal restraint was utilized to assist client to seclusion. Once in seclusion, client began to struggle with staff, broke free and entered her room and obtained sharps (metal). Sharps were confiscated, and client dove under her bed and obtained another sharp (pencil). Client was assisted from under the bed and additional sharp was confiscated. Client was moved to seclusion.

Client denies pain/injury from this incident and has no obvious injury noted. Order received to transfer client to acute for treatment/evaluation of mental status.

Program Coordinator inquired about late reporting and documentation. Facility reported documentation had to be corrected and documentation was provided. Pictures were provided for the door being repaired. Resident will be returning to the facility.

Police Report

Disturbance

Officer was flagged down at Youth Home by staff in reference to a disturbance.

Staff advised officer that client was being disruptive and tried calling 911 multiple times due to receiving punishment for bad behavior. Staff stated that client yanked the phone off the wall. Staff attempted to place client into a hold, but client began thrashing and ended up kicking staff in the stomach. Client then began to spit at staff before eventually calming down and complying.

Officers observed staff’s stomach and noted no red marks. Officer spoke with all staff present. Client stated that they were upset because they were not allowed to have a snack in the designated area. Client complained that staff never follows their own rules. Officer advised staff they would document the incident.

PRLU or OLTC

Notice of Incident, Self-Harm

At 3:45pm, client was placed on freeze due to physical aggressiveness toward staff. Client was placed on Run Risk (RR) around 5 p.m. after fleeing out of the house while another patient was leaving for dinner. Client began throwing personal belongings at staff, kicking chairs, and banging on doors. Due to a threat to patient safety, client was placed in personal restraint at 5:56 p.m. While under personal restraint, the patient kicked one staff member in the stomach and spit in the face of another. When the nurse asked the patient if she was in discomfort or having problems with the restraint, she said, “I have pain right above my ankles.” When the nurse asked the patient if she needed anything to relieve her discomfort, she replied, “Nothing works.” Patient continues to be hostile and aggressive on purpose.

The patient repeated multiple times that she simply wants to go to acute care and that she will do whatever it takes to get there. Due to staff injuries, the sheriff was notified and a report was submitted. Client was transferred to BridgeWay for an acute stay on 01/03/24 and she remains there at this time. On 1/5/24, the facility reported resident most likely would be returning to the facility.

Police Report

Battery

Officer took a phone report regarding a battery that occurred at Youth Home on 12/30/23 and 12/31/23.

Officers spoke with resident (victim) who stated that on 12/30/23, a peer bullied her and wanted to fight. Resident stated that the peer ran toward her and distracted her and punched her in the left eye. Resident stated that on 12/31/23, she was in the game room reading when the peer came into the room asking if she wanted her punches back and she said, “Yes”. The peer rushed toward her and the two began fighting. A third resident joined the fight and had jewelry on which caused injury to resident’s ear.

Resident stated stated the peer told her there was more to come, and she felt afraid to be there. Staff was informed of the report number and advised a copy will be on file at the Sheriff’s Office.