Kent County Juvenile Detention Center

Violation established, special investigation : 400.10123

The facility is found in non-compliance as per video review and interviews, Staff 1 did not keep eye’s on supervision of Youth A and Youth B which allowed them to have inappropriate boundaries.

Repeat violation established, special investigation : 400.10107 Employment policies and procedures; establishment

The facility is found in non-compliance of Staff 1 not following the internal policy of relationship with resident. It was found within the internal investigation the facility completed by Administrator 1 and Administrator 2, Staff 1 admitted to bringing a book to Youth C and sharing personal and similar lifer circumstances with Youth A as a mean of support. Within this internal investigation Staff 1 also admitted to Administrator 1 that Youth C liked her but did not report this to Supervisor as she is required to do. Staff 1 was never interviewed to confirm this information, and this is just noted from the internal investigation at the facility. As it pertains to the concerns of inappropriate boundaries and having a relationship with the youth, Youth A admitted to Staff 1 coming to his home post-discharge from the facility. He also reported that she did have a conversation with him via phone. 11 Youth A denied Staff 1 ever crossing boundaries with him and was just being a support to him. He denied she ever touched him inappropriately, had sexual relations with him both in the facility and outside the facility, and providing him a cell phone. Surveillance Officer did report Youth A did disclose to her of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with Staff 1. Mother 1 reported she did see a woman come to her home but could not confirm who she was, but Youth A did report to her that it was a person from the facility. Youth C reported having sexual intercourse with Staff 1 ...

Repeat violation established, special investigation : 400.10107

The facility is found in non-compliance as per interviews conducted, video reviewed, and documentation reviewed, Staff 1 allowed Youth A and Youth B to go into a storage room together, which resulted in the two-youth fighting and Youth B getting injured. In addition, Staff 1 failed to notify anyone about the situation verbally or in writing.

Repeat violation established, special investigation : 400.10177 Resident restraint

The agency is found in non-compliance as per video review, Staff1 did not utilize an approved restraint technique when he bear hugged Youth A, lifting Youth A off the ground and then bringing Youth A to the ground. Several staff interviewed reported the technique used by Staff 1 was not appropriate and Staff 1 admitted during the interview that he “modified” the technique. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Technical assistance was offered in regard to providing written policies and procedures to staff using the approved mechanical restraint equipment when needed with Youth A. Staff presented as fearful of incurring consequences when using the mechanical restraint equipment with Youth A and also fearful of Youth A following through with the treats to self-harm. Technical assistance was also offered in regard to staff’s fear of providing enough care to keep Youth A from self-harming as threatened by Youth A. It was recommended that the administration provide training in dealing with mental health issues that Youth A presents and allowing staff to have a voice to share their concerns.

Repeat violation established, special investigation : 400.10107 Employment policies and procedures; establishment

The facility is found in non-compliance as per video review, Youth A and Staff 1’s interview, Staff 1 pushed Youth A into his room. There was no evidence shown in the video of Youth A attempting to assault Staff 1.