Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Georgia

Deficiency cited, severity D, initial licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to document that the director has never abused, neglected, sexually exploited, or deprived a child or adult, subjected any person to serious injury in one of three records reviewed. Findings Include: Review on June 18, 2026 at approximately 1:00 p.m. of Staff A’s record, revealed no documentation of an oral or written abuse statement. Staff A was hired on November 1, 2025. During an interview with Staff A on June 18, 2026 at 1:15 p.m., he/she acknowledged the findings. Staff A attempted to locate the statement but was unsuccessful.

Deficiency cited, severity D, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on a foster home inspection, record review, and staff interview, the Agency failed to make a thorough evaluation of each foster family and document this evaluation in a foster home study report which shall be updated as changes in the required home study report information occur. Additionally, the Agency failed to ensure that approved foster homes operate in accordance with the information documented in the home study report and any home study report updates in one of four foster family files reviewed. (Savannah) Findings include: A review on 03/27/2026, of an Agency transition plan dated 11/19/2024, revealed that the plan required the Agency to assess the families transferred from another Child Placing Agency (CPA) within six (6) months of the transfer. Additionally, the plan required that the assessment be clearly documented in the child and family files. A review on 03/26/2026, of Foster Family D’s file revealed a SAFE Re-Evaluation Home Study dated 06/01/2025. Further review of the home study revealed that under the General Environmental Safety of Home section, the General Condition/Maintenance of the home was noted as “Good.” There was no other documentation of a home study or home study updates located in Foster Family D’s file. Foster Family D was transferred 07/01/2025. However, an inspection conducted on 03/26/2026, at approximately 4:35 p.m. of Foster Home D revealed an approximate 4x2 inch hole in the wall behind the bed in Foster Child #6’s bedroom that was ...

Deficiency cited, severity D, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on foster home inspection, record review, and staff interview, the Agency failed to document a complete assessment of the physical standards of the home in one of four foster homes reviewed. Findings include: A review on 02/26/2026 of Foster Family B's record revealed that the SAFE Home Study dated 07/17/2025, did not include a statement that the home was equipped with first aid supplies. There was no other documentation of a home study or home study updates located in Foster Family B’s file. Foster Family B was approved on 07/20/2025. A review on 02/26/2026 of Foster Family C's SAFE Home Study dated 12/08/2025, revealed the home study did not include a statement as to whether or not firearms were kept in the home. Additionally, the home study did not include a statement as to whether or not a swimming pool or body of water was on the premises. Further review of Foster Family C’s SAFE Home Study revealed that there was no statement that the home was equipped with first aid supplies. During an exit conference conducted with Staff A, Staff B, Staff F and Staff G on 02/26/2026 at approximately 2:30 p.m., during a subsequent virtual interview conducted 03/31/2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m. they acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity A, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the Agency failed to document that the selection of a foster home was made for a particular child based on a documented assessment of the child's total needs and how well a particular home can meet the child's needs in one of four foster child records reviewed. Findings include: A review on 02/26/2026 of Foster Child #3’s record revealed there was no documentation, such as a matching form, to reflect the placement of Foster Child #3 with Foster Family C was based on an assessment of Foster Child #3’s needs and how well Foster Home C could meet Foster Child #3’s needs. Foster Child #3 was placed in Foster Home C approximately two (2) months ago. During an exit conference conducted with Staff A, Staff B, Staff F and Staff G on 02/26/2026 at approximately 2:30 p.m., they acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity D, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the Agency failed to provide documentation of a written agreement with the foster parent regarding its policies as to payment of board, arrangements for medical care, clothing, incidental expenses, visits by parent(s), discipline, advance notices for removal when placements are terminated by foster parent and emergency procedures. (Savannah) Findings include: A review on 03/26/2026, of Foster Parent D’s file revealed that there was no documentation of a written agreement with the foster parent with the foster parent in the file in the file. Foster Family D was approved on 07/01/2025. During an exit conference conducted with Staff A, Staff B, Staff B, Staff C, Staff D, and Staff E on 03/26/2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m., they acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity B, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the Agency failed to document in the individual service plan, preliminary plans for discharge in one of four foster child records reviewed. (Savannah) Findings include: A review on 03/26/2026, of Foster Child #4’s Individual Service Plan dated 07/01/2025, revealed the service plan did not include preliminary plans for discharge. Foster Child #4 was placed approximately eight (8) months ago. During an exit conference conducted with Staff A, Staff B, Staff C, Staff D, and Staff E on 03/26/2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m., they acknowledged the findings. This rule was previously cited on 03/25/2025.

Deficiency cited, severity D, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the Agency failed to document a complete individual service plan, including a method for evaluating and changing goals as needed, in one of four foster child records reviewed. Findings include: A review on 03/26/2026 of Foster Child #4’s record revealed the Individual Service Plan dated 07/01/2025, did not include a method for evaluating and changing goals as needed for each goal noted. Foster Child #4 was placed approximately eight (8) months ago. During an exit conference conducted with Staff A, Staff B, Staff C, Staff D, and Staff E on 03/26/2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m., they acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity A, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the Agency failed to ensure that the foster home record contained medical reports for each member of the foster family in one of four records reviewed. (Savannah) Findings include: A review on 03/26/2026, of Foster Family D’s record revealed a copy of another state agency’s medical history log for Foster Family A. However, there was no documentation of actual medical reports for each member of the foster family located in the file. Foster Family D was transferred on 07/01/2025. During an exit conference conducted with Staff A, Staff B, Staff C, Staff D, and Staff E on 03/26/2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m., and a subsequent virtual exit conference was conducted 03/31/2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m. they acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity E, licensure complaint survey

Based on record review, review of relevant Agency documents, foster parent interview, and staff interview, the Agency’s foster parent failed to ensure that practices conform to Agency written policies and procedures on supervision in one incident reviewed. Findings include: 1) A review on October 30, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m. of the Intake Information form for Intake #GA00185555 revealed that it was reported that on September 26, 2025, Foster Child #1 was screaming and breaking things in the living room, then Foster Child #1 kicked and scratched Foster Parent A. The form further revealed that Foster Parent A then proceeded to the kitchen, saying, “I can’t handle this; somebody is going to have to handle this.” The form further revealed that Foster Parent A then heard a lot of noise, and when Foster Parent A looked to see what the commotion was, Foster Child #1 and Foster Child #2 were fighting. The form further revealed that as Foster Child #1 and Foster Child #2 were fighting, Foster Parent A saw Foster Child #1 fall on the coffee table, and then Foster Child #1 and Foster Child #2 ended up in the hallway of the house. Additionally, the form revealed that Foster Parent A screamed for the fight to break up, but by that time, Foster Child #1 was hurt, indicating that Foster Child #1 was bleeding. The form noted that Foster Child #3 felt that Foster Child #1’s nose was broken. Lastly, the form indicated that Foster Child #1 was taken to the hospital. (2) A review on ...

Deficiency cited, severity D, licensure complaint survey

Based on record review, review of relevant Agency documents, foster parent interview, and staff interview, the Agency’s foster parent failed to ensure that children were not permitted to participate in the behavior management of other children in one incident reviewed. Findings include: (1) A review on October 30, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m. of the Intake Information form for Intake #GA00185555 revealed it was reported that on September 26, 2025, Foster Child #1 became upset because the older children did not want to play with him/her then Foster Child #1 became aggressive by cursing, breaking things, and throwing furniture. The Intake Information form further revealed that Foster Parent A told Foster Child #1 to go outside and play with Foster Parent A’s grandchildren, but when Foster Parent A reprimanded Foster Child #1 for slamming the door, Foster Child #1 proceeded to run down the street. According to the form, Foster Parent A reportedly chased after Foster Child #1; however, the form also noted that Foster Child #2 ran after Foster Child #1. The form further indicated that upon returning to the house, Foster Child #1 began screaming, breaking things in the living room, and kicking and scratching Foster Parent A. Foster Parent A screamed for help, then proceeded to the kitchen, saying that he/she “can’t handle this, somebody is going to have to handle this.” The form further revealed that Foster Parent A then heard a lot of noise, and when Foster Parent A looked to ...

Deficiency cited, severity A, licensure complaint survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to submit a detailed written summary report to Residential Child Care Licensing on the required incident intake information form (IIIF) within 24 hours of a serious occurrence involving children in care in one incident reviewed. Findings Include: (1)A review on February 19, 2026, at 11:17 a.m. of the Agency’s Specialty Foster Care Incident Reporting Policy dated June 2, 2024, revealed that written reports shall be made to RCCL using the Incident Intake Information Form within 24 hours. (2) A review on February 19, 2026, at approximately 11:17 a.m., of associated self reported intake #GA00185432, dated September 29, 2025, revealed that on September 26, 2025 Foster Child #1 had an increased level of agitation and a level of aggression resulting in Foster Child #1 falling and hitting his/her head. (3) A review of complaint intake #GA00185555, dated October 9, 2025, revealed that Foster Child #1’s nose was broken because of a physical altercation with Foster Child #2 in the home, which resulted in Foster Child #1 being transported to the hospital. (4) A review on February 19, 2026, at approximately 11:17 a.m., of the Residential Child Care Licensing (RCC) TRAILS tracking system revealed no documentation indicating that the agency reported the incident after becoming aware that Foster Child #1 was involved in a physical altercation with Foster Child #2 which resulted in Foster Child#1 sustaining a broken nose and ...

Deficiency cited, severity D, licensure complaint survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the Agency failed to submit a report to Residential Child Care Licensing (RCCL) whenever there is reason to believe that a child in care has been subjected to child abuse in one incident reviewed. Findings include: The reporter alleged that Foster Parent A caused bruises on Foster Child #1’s legs, Foster Parent A tap or poked Foster Child #2 on the top of his/her head aggressively with Foster Parents A’s long fingernails and poured hot or cold water on Foster Child #2. The reporter also alleged that Foster Parent A pinched Foster Child #3 on the ear and threw Foster Child #4 on a bed. An interview on 09/05/2025 at approximately 11:00 a.m. with Staff A, revealed that Foster Parent A denied the allegations and that for discipline he/she would make the foster children write sentences and use time out. Staff A indicated that all of the foster children involved were removed from the foster home as of 08/09/2025. Staff A also indicated that based on the findings from the interviews with Foster Child #2 and Foster Child #3, the Agency determined that a policy violation occurred, as Foster Parent A was non-compliant in providing discipline as it relates to the Child Safety Agreement and Discipline/Corporal Punishment policy. Staff A indicated that Staff B who interviewed the foster children, provided the statement: “During the investigation, I did not observe any marks or bruises on the bodies of Foster Child #4 nor Foster Child #3, who ...

Deficiency cited, severity D, incident survey

Based on record review, review of relevant Agency documents, and staff interview, the Agency's foster parent failed to comply to the Agency’s written policies and procedures concerning the safety and well-being of a foster child placed in the home and supervision in one incident reviewed. Findings include: Issue #1: Failure to comply with policies and procedures on safety and well-being A review on June 11, 2025, of the Intake Information Form for Intake #GA00183507, revealed that on May 07, 2025, it was reported that Adult Caregiver A, who is Foster Parent A's adult daughter, physically discipline Foster Child #1. The form further indicated that a video sent to Agency staff showed Adult Caregiver A physically hitting Foster Child #1, and Adult Caregiver A could be seen punching and slapping Foster Child #1 in the head, dragging Foster Child #1 by his/her arm, and verbally threatening Foster Child #1 with the handle of a broom. Lastly, the form revealed that Agency staff transported Foster Child #1 to a new foster home. A review on June 11, 2025, of a Caregiver Safety Agreement dated October 26, 2024, revealed that corporal or unusual punishment on a child in custody is prohibited. The agreement further revealed that both Foster Parent A and Adult Caregiver A signed the agreement reflecting their agreement to refrain from the use of any corporal or unusual punishment on a child placed in the home to ensure the safety and well-being of the children placed in the home. A ...

Deficiency cited, severity A, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the Agency failed to provide documentation of at least two professional, educational, or personal reference contacts in two of five personnel records reviewed. Findings include: 1) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 2:10 p.m. of Staff A's personnel record revealed there were no references located in the file. Staff A was hired on 02/20/2024. (2) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 2:05 p.m. of Staff C’s personnel record revealed there were no references located in the file. Staff C was hired on 06/03/2024. (3) During a conference with Staff A on 02/27/2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Staff A reported the Agency changed systems in 2024 and the Agency’s Human Resource Department can no longer access references on previously hired employees.

Deficiency cited, severity A, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the foster home study report failed to include the evaluation of physical and mental health needs and/or supports from external sources in one of three records reviewed. Findings include: 1) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 12:40 p.m. of Foster Family B’s record revealed the foster home study report did not include documentation that a screening for tuberculosis was completed on the foster parents. Foster Family B was approved approximately eight months ago. 2) During an exit conference on 02/27/2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., after review of the record, Staff A and Staff B acknowledged the finding.

Deficiency cited, severity A, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the foster home study report failed to include an understanding of and adjustment to foster parenting in one of three records reviewed. Findings include: 1) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. of Foster Family B’s record revealed the foster home study report did not include documentation of the foster family's attitude towards the foster child’s parents and visits. 2) During an exit conference on 02/27/2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., after review of the record, Staff A and Staff B acknowledged the finding.

Deficiency cited, severity D, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the foster home study failed to provide documentation related to the home and community in one of three records reviewed. Findings include: 1) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 12:15 p.m. of Foster Family B’s record revealed the foster home study report did not include a statement as to whether or not firearms are kept in the home. 2) During an exit conference on 02/27/2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., after review of the record, Staff A and Staff B acknowledged the finding.

Deficiency cited, severity A, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the foster home study failed to provide documentation of a criminal records check in one of three records reviewed. Findings include: 1) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 12:10 p.m. of Foster Family B’s record revealed the foster home study report did not include documentation regarding the results of a criminal records check for each foster parent. 2) During an exit conference on 02/27/2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., after review of the record, Staff A and Staff B acknowledged the finding.

Deficiency cited, severity A, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the Agency failed to provide documentation for preliminary plans for discharge in three of three records reviewed. Findings include: (1) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 1:10 p.m. of Foster Child #1’s record revealed the Individualized Service Plan dated 12/15/2024, did not include preliminary plans for discharge. (2) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 11:05 a.m. of Foster Child #2’s record revealed the Individualized Service Plan dated 11/04/2024, did not include preliminary plans for discharge. (3) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m. of Foster Child #3’s record revealed the Individualized Service Plan dated 05/12/2024, did not include preliminary plans for discharge. (4) During an onsite exit conference with Staff A and Staff B on 02/27/2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., after review of the records, Staff A and Staff B acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity A, foster, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the Agency failed to document the annual evaluation of the strengths and needs of the foster family and assessment of the best way to maximize the foster care experience for the foster family and the children placed with them was shared with the foster family in two of three records reviewed. Findings include: (1) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m. of Foster Family A’s record revealed a RCCL Foster Parent Annual Evaluation was completed on 02/27/2024. However, there was no documentation that the evaluation was shared with Foster Family A. Further review of the evaluation revealed no signatures of Foster Family A. Foster Family A was approved approximately four years ago. (2) A review on 02/27/2025, at approximately 1:40 p.m. of Foster Parent C’s record revealed a RCCL Foster Parent Annual Evaluation was completed on 02/23/2024. However, there was no documentation that the evaluation was shared with Foster Parent C. Further review of the evaluation revealed no signature of Foster Parent C. Foster Parent C was approved approximately three years ago. 3) During an onsite exit conference with Staff A and Staff B on 02/27/2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., after review of the records, Staff A and Staff B acknowledged the findings.