Foster’s Home for Children

Risk level: Medium High : 748.3061(2) - Gas Inspection-Operation inspected at least once every 24 months from date of last inspection for gas leaks

The operation did not have a current gas inspection completed, the last gas inspection was completed 1/29/24.

Risk level: Low : 748.395(1) - Active child record - All documentation in the record no later than 30 days after occurrence or event

The documentation for two staff records did not have the required education verification documents filed in the record, this documentation was provided at the inspection but it was beyond the 30 day occurrence.

Risk level: High : 748.685(c)(2) - Caregiver responsibility - provide a safe environment

The caregivers did not follow the operations requirements related to an additional household member; which resulted in two separate incidents that put children in care at risk.

Risk level: High : 748.4041 - Driver & passengers must follow all laws when driving, including laws on use of child passenger safety seat systems, seat belts & liability insurance

A child's car seat was not properly installed in the vehicle which led to the car seat falling over with the child strapped into the seat while the vehicle was in motion.

Risk level: Medium : 748.1217(b)(6) - Admission Assessment-At admission, must include current medical & dental status, including available results of medical/dental exams

Two of two admission assessments reviewed did not include the results of the children's medical and dental exams.

Risk level: Medium High : 748.3421(3) - Poisons-Ensure poisonous/flammable material is stored in an area that is inaccessible to children unless child is capable to use responsibly.

Several laundry room chemicals were observed on the counters and on the floor, where children could access them.

Risk level: Medium : 748.3301(a)(2) - Physical Site- Buildings must be clean and in good repair.

A bathroom wall in home 11 was observed with 2 holes. The outside porch in home 13 was cluttered and had hazards to children such as a weed eatter and tools. Home 9 had a toilet that was dirty with water/mold stains.

Risk level: Medium : 748.363(7) - Personnel records-Include notarized Licensing Affidavit for Applicants for Employment form as specified in Human Resources Code, 42.059

One staff member did not have a signed and notarized affidavit in their file.

Risk level: High : 748.2101(1) - Medication Storage-Store medication in a locked container

Medication was observed unlocked in both homes that were inspected today.

Risk level: High : 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being

The caregivers did not supervisor two children in care which resulted inappropriate behavior.

Risk level: Medium High : 748.2307(8) - Other Prohibited Punishments-humiliating, shaming, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child

A caregiver yelled at a child in care.

Risk level: High : 748.1207(a)(2) - Placement agreement-Must include a medical consent form signed by a person legally authorized by Texas Family Code to provide consent

Three medical consenter forms designated the house parents from the operation.

Risk level: Medium High : 748.3421(3) - Poisons-Ensure poisonous/flammable material is stored in an area that is inaccessible to children unless child is capable to use responsibly.

2 homes had cleaning supplies stored where young children in the home could reach them.

Risk level: Medium : 748.3239(a) - Evacuation-Must practice unannounced fire drill at least once every 6 months from date of last fire drill

One home has not completed a fire drill within the 6 month time frame.

Risk level: Medium : 748.3239(b) - Evacuation-Must practice severe weather drill at least once every 6 months from date of last severe weather drill

Two homes have not completed weather drills within the 6 month time frame.

Risk level: Medium High : 748.3021 - Tools-Dangerous tools & equipment stored so they are inaccessible to children; children use these with caregiver supervision as appropriate

A baseboard with nails protruding out was observed on the back porch of one home and the house parent removed the nails. An exacto knife/box opener knife was observed in one child's bathroom, was removed and given to the house parent. Dog stakes with sharp ends that drill into the ground were observed on one front porch and the house parent stored these away.

Risk level: Medium High : 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks

A caregiver used force and pushed a child to get them into a car.

Risk level: Medium High : 748.3301(i) - Physical Site-Equipment and furniture must be safe for children and must be kept clean and in good repair

A few furniture/home items were observed to be in need of repair. One light bulb was out in a bathroom. Two bathroom rails for towels were off the walls. One window blind in a bedroom was broken.

Risk level: Medium : 748.3395(b)(4) - Hand-washing-Provide hand-washing sinks equipped with soap & a personal towel, single-use disposable towels, or hot air hand dryers

Three bathroom sinks were observed without hand towels for children. One of the hand washing sinks was observed unclean.

Risk level: Low : 748.1211(b)(2)(C) - Parent Orientation-Must review & provide written materials on involvement of child in any publicity and/or fund raising activity for operation

The agency did not receive written permission from the children in care's parent to post pictures on social media.

Risk level: Low : 748.1437(2) - Discharge/Transfer Documentation-Must include date and time the child was informed of his discharge or transfer

The discharge summary did not indicate the time or date the child was informed of the discharge.

Risk level: Medium : 748.126(b) - All employees and caregivers must be aware of and follow your policies and procedures

A caregiver did not follow the agencies policies regarding posting a child's photo publicly.

Risk level: Medium Low : 748.1101(b)(3)(M) - Children's rights-consent in writing before taking part in publicity/fund raising for operation, including the use of the child's photo

Several children that were interviewed indicated that they did not know their pictures were being taken or posted on social media.

Risk level: Medium : 748.831(a)(2) - Orientation-Orientation must include facility's philosophy, organizational structure, policies, and a description of the services and programs offered

There was a staff person that did not have verification that she reviewed the agencies policies.

Risk level: Medium High : 748.2307(8) - Other Prohibited Punishments-humiliating, shaming, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child

Two staff members yelled at children in care.