Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes – Palmetto

Deficiency cited, severity G, incident survey

****Based on record review, review of relevant facility documents, review of video surveillance, resident interview, and staff interview, the facility failed to implement its policies and procedures on behavior management in one incident reviewed. Findings include: A review on October 30, 2025, of an Intake Information form for intake #GA00185548 revealed that on October 8, 2025, Staff B “prompted” Resident #1 to leave the classroom. Additionally, it was noted that Resident #1 refused to leave the classroom resulting in a physical interaction between Staff B and Resident #1 when Staff B attempted to remove Resident #1 from the classroom. A review on December 19, 2025, of the facility’s Safe and Appropriate Behavior and Motivational Interventions Policy, last amended on August 30, 2023, revealed that the facility utilizes Nonviolent Crisis Intervention which emphasizes nonphysical methods of de-escalation for minimizing disruptive behavior and encouraging clients to use effective emotion management skills. The policy further revealed that restrictive behavior management interventions are implemented in a manner that protects the safety and well-being of residents and staff in emergency or crisis situations when other supportive and less- restrictive measures have proven ineffective. Lastly, the policy indicated that no residents shall be subjected to cruel, severe or excessive punishment and that no corporal punishment is used. A review on November 4, 2025, of Resident #1’s ...

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

Based on record review, staff and resident interviews, the facility staff failed to adequately provide for the needs, protection, well-being and supervision of residents. Findings include: 1. A review on September 10, 2025 of the Incident Information Form (IIF) for intake #GA00184786 and related documents submitted with the reported incident, revealed that on August 13, 2025, Collateral A reported that Staff H showed him/her a video on Staff H’s cell phone of Resident #4 and Resident #5 dancing with each other during a trip to the emergency room. 2. An onsite interview on September 11, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m. with Staff A regarding the self-reported incident involving Staff H revealed that an internal investigation was completed and Staff H was subsequently terminated. 3. A review on September 11, 2025 at approximately 12:33 p.m. of a facility document dated August 14, 2025, addressed to Staff H, revealed that he/she was terminated on August 14, 4. A review on September 11, 2025 at approximately 12:40 p.m. of the facility’s Supervision and Child Staff Ratio Procedures Policy revealed that supervision is defined as maintaining constant eyesight of the residents, and that mobile device use is not permitted while on duty supervising residents. 5. A review on September 11, 2025 at approximately 12:45 p.m. of the facility’s Mobile Devices Procedure Policy revealed that client photos are not to be stored on a personal mobile device. 6. An onsite interview on September ...

Deficiency cited, severity D, incident survey

Based on record review, staff interview, and review of facility documents the facility failed to comply with its written policy and procedures in one incident reviewed. (GA00183534) Findings Include: Review on May 14, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. of the Intake Information form for intake GA00183534 revealed that Staff C observed Resident #3 walk back and forth, out of the kitchen and outside the cottage. Resident #1 and Resident #2 also walked out of the cottage without permission. The form further revealed the youth stated to staff they wanted to go on a walk. The youth gathered around the van in a suspicious manner. Additionally, the form stated Staff C was outside and supervising, attempting to distract and engage youth in conversation, asking where they wanted to walk. Additionally, Staff C began to approach their direction and by the time he/she was able to reach the residents, they entered the van and locked the van door. Staff C asked Resident #3 and other youth to unlock the door or open window. The form indicated his/her pleas were ignored, and Resident #3 drove the van off campus with the other residents in the passenger seat. The form further indicated that the police were contacted immediately for assistance and to report van theft. Additionally, the form stated notifications were made to the Director of Programs, Administrator and the VP or Programs. Finally, the form stated the administrator attempted to follow/locate youth once they drove off campus but was unsuccessful ...

Deficiency cited, severity D, incident survey

Based on record review, staff interview, and review of facility documents the facility failed to comply with its written policy and procedures in one incident reviewed. (GA00180765) Findings include: Review on October 29, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. of the Intake Information form for intake GA00180765 revealed that during dinner meal time, Resident #1 consumed half of a fish stick before realizing it was fish and stopped eating it. The IIF further revealed 15 to 20 minutes later Resident #1 began to have a slight allergic reaction (itching on leg and dizziness). Additionally, the IIF stated that Resident #1 has an epi-pen prescribed; however, did not want to have it administered. The IIF further stated that a decision was made to contact 9-1-1 due to Resident #1’s allergy response and dizziness and headache. The IIF also indicated that breathing difficulties were not reported and EMTs arrived at 8:04p.m. The IIF also stated that EMTs recommended administering Benadryl and monitoring Resident #1’s symptoms throughout night. Finally, the IIF indicated that Resident #1 was monitored throughout night without worsening of symptoms. Review on October 29, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. of the Incident Report, dated October 6, 2024, revealed that Resident #1 is allergic to seafood. The report further revealed that minors as well as staff were unaware that they were being served fish sticks. The report also revealed that Resident #1 ate half a fish stick before he/she realized it was fish. Additionally ...

Deficiency cited, severity A, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to document a complete intake referral in one of three resident records reviewed. Findings include: Review on September 11, 2024, at approximately 11:38 a.m. of Resident #1’s record, revealed the intake referral dated February 20, 2024, did not include social history, health history, educational history, family history, behavioral, and personal development information. Resident #1 was placed at the facility over eight months ago. During the exit interview with Staff B and Staff C on September 11, 2024 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Staff B and Staff C acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity B, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to develop a full written assessment within thirty days of admission in one of three resident records reviewed. Findings include: Review on September 11, 2024 at approximately 11:45 a.m. of Resident #1's record, revealed that there was no full written assessment documented in the file. Further review of the file revealed a document labeled On-going Assessment and ISP completed on August 14, 2024. Resident #1 was placed at the facility over eight months ago. During the exit interview with Staff B and Staff C on September 11, 2024 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Staff B and Staff C acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity D, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to develop an admission evaluation that assess the needs of the child in the areas of health care, room, board and watchful oversight, education, family relationships, personal, social, and vocational development, and any behavioral issues that require monitoring in one of three resident records reviewed. Findings include: Review on September 11, 2024 at approximately 11:46 a.m. of Resident #1’s record revealed there was no written assessment in the record. Resident #1 was placed at the facility over eight months ago. During the exit interview with Staff B and Staff C on September 11, 2024 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Staff B and Staff C acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity A, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to document a complete service and room, board and watchful oversight plan in one of three resident records reviewed. Findings include: Review on September 11, 2024 at approximately 1:40 p.m. of Resident #2's 30 Day Assessment and ISP completed on September 11, 2023, revealed that the service plan did not include objectives for the resident, methods of achieving or evaluating, and activities by child or staff towards goals. Resident #2 was placed at the facility more than one year ago. During the exit interview with Staff B and Staff C on September 11, 2024 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Staff B and Staff C acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity A, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to document the child, and the parent(s) or guardian(s), or child placing agency representatives’ involvement in the development of the service and room, board and watchful oversight plans, and its periodic updates in one of three resident records reviewed. Findings include: Review on September 11, 2024 at approximately 1:42 p.m., of Resident #2's 30 Day Assessment and ISP, revealed the facility did not document involvement of Resident #2 or Resident #2’s placing agency representative in the development of Resident #2's service plan. A review of the On-going Assessment and ISP and completed on August 14, 2024 revealed the facility did not document involvement on Resident #2’s placing agency representative. There was no documentation of correspondence or any other verifying documentation in the record. Resident #2 was placed at the facility more than one year ago. During the exit interview with Staff B and Staff C on September 11, 2024 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Staff B and Staff C acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity D, re-licensure survey

Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to update a service and room, board, and watchful oversight plan at a minimum of every six months in one of three resident records reviewed. Findings Include: Review on September 11, 2024, at approximately 12:56 p.m. of Resident #2's record revealed two documents titled Assessment & ISP. The first document list assessment type as 30 day was completed on September 11, 2023. The second document list the assessment type as on-going and completed on August 14, 2024. Resident #2 was placed at the facility more than one year ago. During the exit interview with Staff B and Staff C on September 11, 2024 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Staff B and Staff C acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity A, re-licensure survey

Based on a review of resident records and staff interview, the agency failed to provide documentation of a complete written discharge summary within thirty days of the discharge in one of three resident records reviewed. Findings include: Review on September 11, 2024, at approximately 2:18 p.m. of Resident #3’s record revealed a document titled Discharge Report, dated July 10, 2024, did not include a complete summary of services provided to the child while at the facility, goals/objectives and accomplishments during care, and assessed needs not met during care & reasons why they were not met. Resident #3 was discharged on July 10, 2024. During the exit interview with Staff B and Staff C on September 11, 2024 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Staff B and Staff C acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity D, re-licensure survey

Based on a review of resident records and staff interview, the agency failed to provide documentation of a semi-annual dental examination in one of three resident records reviewed. Findings include: Review on September 11, 2024, at approximately 12:02 p.m., of Resident #1’s record, revealed no documentation of semi- annual dental or an annual medical check-up. Further review of the record revealed a document titled Preparation Physical Evaluation dated April 23, 2023. Resident #1 was placed at the facility over eight months ago. During the exit interview with Staff A and Staff F on August 30, 2023, at approximately 4:10 p.m., Staff A and Staff F acknowledged the findings.

Deficiency cited, severity A, re-licensure survey

Based on physical plant inspection and staff interview, the facility failed to keep walls and ceilings in good repair in one of five resident bathrooms observed. Findings include: A physical plant inspection on September 11, 2024 at approximately 10:29 a.m., revealed broken tile on the bathroom wall of bedroom labeled #4. (photo) During the exit interview with Staff B and Staff C on September 11, 2024 at approximately 3:45 p.m., Staff B and Staff C acknowledged the findings.