Hillsdale County Youth Home

Violation established, special investigation : R 400.10107 Employment policies and procedures; establishment

Staff 1 allowed and made it possible for Youth A and Youth B to have sex at the facility. She engaged in kissing and physical touch with the male youth at the facility. She would go off alone with youth into a room or area that did not have cameras. She allowed youth to touch her. She brought in a vape, gave it to Youth C, and allowed the boys to use it at the facility. Staff 1 did not report any of these occurrences to her superiors. Staff 2 allowed youth to vape at the facility. He was aware that Staff 1 and at least one of the male youths kissed. He also allowed and engaged in physical touch with the male residents. Staff 2 did not report any of these incidents to his superiors. The DHHS Worker reported she had findings against Staff 1. Technical Assistance: It is recommended that the facility schedule new workers to shadow a staff member without being part of ratio. The facility needs to create policies and procedures that address contraband, mixing of sexes both staff and youth, boundaries between youth and staff, and develop a Code of Conduct for staff. The current policies should also be updated.

Violation established, special investigation : R 400.10127 Compliance with child protection law; development of plan

Supervisor was made aware of the above allegations on 5/25/22. He did not report the allegations to Central Intake until 6/2/22. Staff 2 was aware Staff 1 kissed a male youth and allowed them to vape, but he never reported it. Technical Assistance: The facility should ensure the abuse/neglect reporting policy is communicated and known by all staff.