Severe reports

The complaint allegation indicates that staff inappropriately restrained a minor in care.

From the state's report. Substantiated.

Despite interviews from staff and youth witnesses denying witnessing Staff 1 hitting, striking, or shoving Youth A, video footage shows Staff 1 lunge forward at youth to wrap him in a bear hug which was unnecessary, as Youth A was standing still at the time, and is not an approved restraint technique.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: R 400.4159 Youth restraint; pregnant youth; reduction, prevention;.

The facility is found in noncompliance as per Supervisor 2, Staff 1, Youth A and Youth C’s interviews, along with video review Supervisor 1 pushed Youth A into the facility and placed his hand on Youth A’s chin and neck pushing Youth A to the ground. Youth A reported and Staff 1, Supervisor 2, Youth C described seeing Supervisor 1 drag Youth A by his hoodie toward the facility.

From the state's report. Violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

Confidential interview indicated [Child 1] did not want to be placed on in a hold, flopped their body weight to the ground, and staff dragged [Child 1] back inside the facility by their feet.

From the state's report. Substantiated. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

It was corroborated by staff and children in care that a staff member performed an EBI by pushing children up against the wall.

From the state's report. Risk level: High. Cited: 748.2551(c)(1) - EBI Implementation-Caregiver must minimize risk of physical discomfort, harm, or pain to the child.

On March 17, 2025, the Department received a complaint alleging that a staff at the STRTP facility physical assaulted a child in care. During the interview with Staff ([Staff 1]) on 3/26/2025, in which [Staff 1] admitted to LPA that he shoved [Child 3] to the ground after a verbal / physical tussle between [Staff 1] and [Child 3], as well as video footage dated: 3/13/2025 at 7 p.m. start time, obtained and observed by LPA on 4/08/2025, which shows a physical altercation between [Staff 1] and [Child 3] taken place in the front seat of the facility's vehicle (Van - 88).

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(c)(16). The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

The agency is found in non-compliance as per youth interview and video footage, there was evidence found that Staff 4 pushed Youth A to the ground.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

Staff 1, 2, 4 and 5 pushed on Youth B several times.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

Specifically, it was reported that [Staff 1] was observed grabbing [Child 1] aggressively by the arm while in the shower, shoving the toothbrush into [Child 1] mouth, and brushing [Child 1] teeth in an overly forceful manner. [...] Confidential interviews and documents reviewed confirmed [Staff 1] handled [Child 1] in a rough manner by forcefully brushing [Child 1] teeth and shoving the toothbrush into [Child 1] mouth.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

Behavior Management: Staff member used improper restraint techniques, causing pain to resident.

From the state's report. Substantiated complaint. Cited: 340:110-3-154.2(d) Physical restraint. Restraint may only be used when less restrictive interventions, according to facility policy, have ....

In plain words: The state investigated an allegation that a staff member punched a child in the program. Based on interviews and video footage, the state found the allegation substantiated. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

On 02/26/2025, Community Care Licensing received an allegation that facility staff punched a minor in care. [...] In regard to the allegation that facility staff ([Staff 1]) punched a minor in care ([Child 1]); it was reported that [Staff 1], [Staff 3] and [Staff 4] arrived at the facility because assistance was requested. [...] Confidential interviews indicated that prior to being separated, [Staff 1] punched [Child 1] with a closed fist on at least one occasion and made contact with [Child 1]'s head and/or body area. Confidential interviews disclosed that after a review of the facility's video surveillance footage of this incident, it was observed that [Staff 1] punched [Child 1]. Based on the confidential interviews, a review of pertinent documentation and a review of video footage, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, and the allegation that facility staff punched a minor in care is substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(c)(1). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

Additional Non-Compliance Found During Investigation: Behavior Management: Staff members used excessive force and prohibited behavior management actions in dealing with a resident's behaviors.

Behavior Management: Staff used improper restraint techniques, causing significant bruising to a resident.

From the state's report. Found during a substantiated complaint investigation; Substantiated complaint. Cited: 340:110-3-154.2(b)(1) behaviors that could cause physical pain, such as shaking, striking, spanking, grabbing, yanking, pulling, pushing ...; 340:110-3-154.2(d) Physical restraint. Restraint may only be used when less restrictive interventions, according to facility policy, have ....

The facility is found in non-compliance as per interviews conducted, documentation reviewed, and video footage reviewed, Staff 1 pushed Youth A twice during the incident, and pushing a youth is prohibited according to the facility’s policy and this rule.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

It was determined that physical abuse occurred (any physical injury, mental injury, or threatened injury, inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care on a child other than by accidental means.

From the state's report. Maltreatment determined as to physical abuse of an alleged victim by a staff person..

Both staff and youth were interviewed, and video footage was reviewed that documented the staff hit/pushed the youth, thus there was sufficient evidence to support non-compliance.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

Youth A was pushed down several times, arms pulled by several staff multiple times, dragged at least twice, once by the leg and once by the arms, and thrown to the ground by Staff 2.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

In plain words: A child in the program reported that a staff member hit the child in the nose, grabbed their shirt, threw them down, dragged them on the ground, and forced them to exercise for hours. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

"[Staff #1], last week me and him got into it (staff #1 hit client #2 in the nose causing a nosebleed. [...] Staff #1 grabbed client #2 by the collar of his shirt and pulled him from the ground. [...] "He (staff #1) threw me down (to the ground) a couple of times, and drug me on the ground." -[Staff #3] was out there (in the backyard). [...] He (staff #1) hit me on my nose. [...] Staff #1 pushed him down and drug him on the ground (unknown dates). "He (staff #1) pushed me down and dragged me across the ground. don't know twice, more than twice, a lot of times. [...] On 3-4-25 as a consequence for client #2 hitting one of his school peers on the school bus earlier hat day, client #2 reported staff #1 hit him in his nose causing his nose to bleed and later forced him to exercise from approximately 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, annual, complaint, and follow-up survey, Type A1 violation. Cited: V 512) 27D .0304 Client Rights - Harm, Abuse, Neglect. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

Video observation and interviews with Staff 1 and Staff 4 confirm Staff 1 pushed Youth A as he was leaving the unit.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

A staff member choked a child in care as a form of discipline.

From the state's report. Risk level: High. Cited: 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work..

He put staff #2 in a headlock and staff #2 picked him up and "slammed" him to the ground outside of his room in the hallway. [...] Staff #2 admitted he shoved client #2 and took client #2 down to the floor by sweeping client #1's feet from under him which resulted in client #1 falling down on to the floor.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, annual, complaint, and follow-up survey, Type A1 violation. Cited: V 512. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

On 10/28/2024, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received a complaint that staff mishandled a minor's personal belonging and staff threw a minor against the wall. [...] In regard to the allegation that staff threw a minor against the wall, it was specifically reported that [Staff 1] picked up [Child 1] from underneath [Child 1]'s arm and threw [Child 1] against the wall. [...] Another confidential interview disclosed that [Staff 1] grabbed [Child 1] and threw [Child 1] against the wall then pushed [Child 1]'s head against the wall but there was no one around. [...] Based on interview and record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met and the Department has determined that staff mishandled a minor's personal belonging and staff threw a minor against the wall.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

Based on confidential interviews, the allegation that facility staff handle minor in a rough manner is SUBSTANTIATED because the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met.

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations).

Any staff observing another staff using an unapproved restraint or other technique should stop the staff engaged in the inappropriate technique and have that staff removed from the situation.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: 400.10177.

It was confirmed by staff and children that staff will use excessive force while implementing EBI restraints.

From the state's report. Risk level: High. Cited: 748.2551(c)(2) - EBI Implementation-Caregiver must use the minimal amount of reasonable and necessary physical force.

The facility is found in noncompliance as per Staff 1’s interview he failed to report Youth A being slapped by Staff 3.

From the state's report. Violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4131 Compliance with child protection law; development of plan required..

During the inspection the licensor reviewed video footage that showed a staff member physically pushing a client.

From the state's report. Out of compliance, investigation inspection. Cited: R380-80-4(1) Provider shall protect each client.

During the investigation, LPA conducted confidential interviews, which revealed that staff inappropriately restrained a minor, staff threatened a minor, and staff used inappropriate language towards a minor.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 84072(d)(1).

A caregiver used unnecessary force when she refused to walk away and restraint a child while the child was being aggressive.

From the state's report. Risk level: High. Cited: 748.2461(a)(2) - Short Personal Restraint-Caregiver must use minimal amount of reasonable and necessary physical force.

During an investigation, the information gathered substantiated that a staff attempted to physically confront a client and threw a flip flop at a client’s head.

From the state's report. Out of compliance, complaint, investigation inspection. Cited: R380-80-6(1)(a)-(i) Client rights.

The agency is found in noncompliance as per staff and youth interviews and video review Staff A did push Youth A. Staff 1 admitted to pushing Youth A.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

At the time of the inspection, there was visual evidence of an abusive action, specifically Staff #1 pushing/shoving Resident #1.

From the state's report. Non-compliance, DBHDS investigation. Cited: 12VAC35-46-920. (5) The following actions are prohibited: 5. Any action that is humiliating, degrading, or abusive;.

On October 30, 2024, the Department received a complaint report alleging that staff [Staff 2] physically assaulted client [Child 1].

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(c)(16). The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

The Department investigated the allegation, "Staff physically abused a resident in care." Nine of nine staff denied any physical abuse towards youth in care. A reliable witness stated they "saw a female staff kick a youth and scream at him in the middle of the street" which was corroborated by another witness.

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations). Cited: 84072(d).

It was determined that a child was inappropriately restrained due to the caregiver using too much force.

From the state's report. Risk level: High. Cited: 748.2551(c)(2) - EBI Implementation-Caregiver must use the minimal amount of reasonable and necessary physical force.

A staff member attempted to kick a child in the head while the child was in handcuffs laying on the ground.

From the state's report. Risk level: High. Cited: 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work..

Employee #5 pushed Individual #1 while trying to get the clipboard back. [...] Employee #9 was seen pushing Individual #1 to keep Individual #1 from hitting/kicking them.

From the state's report. Non-compliance, DBHDS investigation. Cited: 12VAC35-46-310. B. (3) Required annual retraining: 3. All child care staff shall receive annual retraining on the provider's behavior supports and timeout .... "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

Staff 1 was seen pushing and pulling Youth A throughout the incident.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

[Staff 3] pushed [Child 1] multiple times as [Child 1] attempted to leave the room and engaged in a verbal altercation with [Child 1].

From the state's report. Substantiated. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

The facility is found in non-compliance as per video footage and interviews, Staff 1 dragged Youth A to her bedroom.

From the state's report. Violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

Noncompliance is also found when Staff 1 grabbed Youth A’s shirt and forcefully ripped it.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions..

Staff 1 followed Youth A to the front door and stood directly next to her, while continuing to verbally antagonize Youth A. Youth A pushed 5 Staff 1 away and Staff 1 responded by pushing Youth A off the porch.

From the state's report. Violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions..

Based on the interview with Staff 1 and the video observation, Staff 1 pushed Youth A. Staff 1 has been trained in CPI and has been given the proper tools to use in this situation, but did not utilize them.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

The facility is found in noncompliance as Staff 1 reported pushing Youth A away from her. [...] Staff 1 reported she “swiped her hands down and pushed her back”.

From the state's report. Violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

Regarding the allegation that staff hit and kicked youth, staff yelled at youth and staff threw objects at youth, statements made during interviews by 2 of 6 staff and video footage of client pointing to alleged staff, corroborated that staff did hit and kick youth, staff yelled at youth and staff threw objects at youth.

From the state's report. Substantiated.

Staff 1 admitted to pushing Youth A.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

The facility is found in non-compliance as per interviews conducted, video reviewed, and documentation reviewed Staff 4 6 inappropriately restrained Youth A by bear hugging him, which is not an approved restraint method.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4159 Youth restraint; pregnant youth; reduction,.

The Facility is found in non-compliance per interviews with Staff, Youth, and documentation reviewed, Staff 1 did hit Youth A on the face and used derogatory language.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.

On video, a staff member was seen shoving a child to prevent them from going into the room of a peer.

From the state's report. Risk level: High. Cited: 748.2307(1) - Other Prohibited Punishments-any harsh, cruel, unusual, unnecessary, demeaning, or humiliating discipline/punishment.

[Staff 1] then dragged [Child 1] while they were face down to their bedroom".

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(C)(16). The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

The facility is found in non-compliance as per interviews conducted, video reviewed, and documentation reviewed, Staff 1 got into a physical altercation with Youth A, which included Staff 1 punching Youth A multiple times as well as pushing him.

From the state's report. Repeat violation established, special investigation. Cited: CCI Rule 400.4158 Intervention standards and prohibitions.