Severe reports

In plain words: { summary: Six staff members failed to protect a child who had a history of self-harm. The child was found hanging in a bathroom and died by suicide. } Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

Based on observation, record reviews and interviews, 6 of 8 audited paraprofessional staff (#1, #2, #4, #5, #6 and #9) failed to protect client from harm and neglect affecting 1 of 1 deceased client ([Deceased client 9]). [...] "She has an extensive history of self-injurious behaviors, suicidal ideation and at least three reported suicide attempts." Review on 3/19/26 of the North Carolina (NC) Incident Response Improvement System (IRIS) revealed: [...] "On March 15, 2026, (Executive Vice President) received a call from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) informing me that a client [Deceased client 9] had attempted suicide at the Cornerstone Treatment Facility (facility). [...] "Staff reported that [Deceased client 9] was found ina bathroom hanging from the shower curtain rod by a ligature. [...] "Based on all information gathered, [Deceased client 9] died as a result of suicide by ligature. [...] "She [Deceased client 9] had previously cut herself a week or two before this incident."

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, complaint and follow-up survey, Type A1 violation. Cited: V 512} 27D .0304 Client Rights - Harm, Abuse, Neglect. "[...]" 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.

Record review on 5/4/26 revealed the Child 1's Behavior Management Report #14642, dated 4/12/2026 at 4:20 p.m., indicated Child 1 attempted to strangle himself with a computer cord.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, complaint survey. Cited: A 170 41.10 Active Treatment.

In plain words: { summary: A child in the program reported that two staff members punched, choked, and spit on her. The program did not suspend the staff members while looking into the claim, and reports to the state registry were delayed. } Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

4/23/26 revealed: 3/31/26, Former client (FC) #6 self-injurious behaviors (SIB)/suicidal ideation (SI!) 4/1/26, [Former client 6], SI and elopement 4/2/26, the facility was notified by CPS of client #1's allegation that she was punched and spit on by staff #9 and staff #2 during an incident on 4/15/26, client #4, attempted elopement and jumped out of a moving van 4/16/26, client #1 altercation with peer (client #4) over use of colored pencils; physical altercation between client #1 and client #3; client #1 physical aggression with staff; restrictive intervention due to hitting, spitting on and biting staff (staff #1), and included allegation that staff #1 was abusive and hit client #1 multiple times. [...] One Suicide Attempt, suspect (Former client #6) on scene on 3/31/26. [...] One Physical Assault, suspect on scene on 6/16/26 (client #1). [...] 4/18/26, submitted on 4/21/26, clients #2 and #3 elopement.

"Internal Investigation Summary: On April 2,2026, a social worker (Department of Social Services Investigator) contacted Executive Director [ED/Licensee] and reported that [client #1] alleged she had been physically assaulted by staff (#2 and #9), specifically stating that [staff #2] choked her and [staff #9] punched her in the face An internal investigation was initiated following this report. [...] No documentation of HCPR notification for client #1's allegation that staff #2 and staff #9 "choked and punched client #1 in the face" and spit in client #1's face. [...] "It wasn't until she (client #1) bit me (staff #2) that [staff #9] pinched her (client #1) nose...(client #1) had my arm...[client #1] bit me twice, she had my arm in her mouth until [staff #9] was pinching her (client #1] nose." She and staff #9 were together during the incident, "[Staff #9] never hit her (client #1)."

Had not been suspended nor received any disciplinary action regarding client #1's allegation that staff #2 and #9 choked, punched and spit on client #1. [...] She worked on 3/19/26 and was in the back of the facility with the other clients (#1, #2, #4, #5, and [Former client 6]) during the incident when client #1 alleged that staff #2 and #9 choked, punched and spit on client #1. [...] The ED/Licensee completed the HCPR report for client #1's allegation that staff #2 and #9 choked, punched and spit on client #1.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, complaint and follow-up survey. Cited: V 367] 27G .0604 Incident Reporting Requirements; V 132; V 132. "[...]" 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.

Type of Incident: "suicide attempt, suicide gestures, self-harm, aggression, property damage;" [...] At approximately 1:55 PM, law enforcement arrived and assumed control of the scene. [...] At approximately 2:05 PM, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived. Law enforcement escorted the client to he ambulance. [...] AP arrived at the facility when [Client #1] was getting ready to be transported by EMS to the local hospital on 1/4/26; "She (Executive Director/Licensee) told me to tell the police that the other staff was gone to get something to eat" on 1/4/26;

Psychiatric hospitalization or crisis stabilization admission; [...] On 1/4/24, Staff #1 was at the facility alone with Client #1, when she started to have Cc aggressive behaviors, and inflicted self- harm by cutting herself with glass. [...] EMS transported client to local hospital.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, complaint survey, Type A1 violation. Cited: V 296] 27G .1704 Residential Tx. Child/Adol - Min.; V 293} 27G .1701 Residential Tx. Child/Adol - Scope. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

In plain words: { summary: State reviews showed past facility incidents. These included youth engaging in sexual acts on social media, self-harm, running away, physical fights, hospitalizations for suicide concerns and pregnancy, and crisis center calls. } Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

Review on January 14, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. of a list of significant incidents reported by the facility in the previous 36 months to another state entity revealed the following reportable incidents: 1) On 3/30/23, a youth was caught performing sexual acts with men on social media. [...] 3) On 6/20/23, a youth was taken to the hospital for cutting his/her arms and legs. [...] 8) On 9/26/23, a youth ran away from work. [...] 10) On 10/11/23, a youth was taken to the hospital for treatment due to a physical altercation with another youth. [...] 13) On 12/4/23, a youth was taken to the hospital for suicidal thoughts and statements. [...] One youth was taken to the hospital to be checked out due to being pregnant. [...] 22) On 3/24/24, a local crisis center was called due to youth cutting his/herself and swallowing glass. [...] 28) On 6/25/24, a youth was 1013’d for suicide attempt. [...] 42) On 10/21/25, a youth was 1013’d for attempting suicide.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, severity E, licensure complaint survey. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

In plain words: A former client refused to be searched, threatened to run away, and left a message claiming abuse. He then walked out, threatened to kill the director and the director's family, and attacked another child in the program. The report also notes two suicide attempts outside the facility. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

Is attempting suicide outside (facility). [...] 7/21/25 4:00pm "...Once arrive to the house (facility) he ([Former client 5]) refused to get searched staff had to ask him repeatedly to get searched it's required staff directed him to go to his room he refused to and grabbed the house and demanded staff to call his social worker or he's running away staff called the social worker number [Former client 5] then left a message stating that he has been rapped and help him he is being molested and demanded help now...([Former client 5]) walked out the door while staff was talking to the other client and demanded staff to give him [Executive Director (ED)]'s address so he([Former client 5]) can go to his (ED) house and kill and take his (ED)whole family out...He ([Former client 5]) then ran to the other client (#2) room door and kicked it open and attacked the other client (#2). [...] 7/12/25, Attempted to hang himself in the backyard of the facility;

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, annual and complaint survey. Cited: V 367|. "[...]" 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.

The document stated, "...Staff informed...[Resident 1] attempted suicide by choking [Resident 1's] self with a shirt to the point [Resident 1] was unconscious [sic] staff immediately called 911. Staff explained that the incident occurred after [Resident 1's] peer was being moved to CRC...[Resident 1] became upset leading [Resident 1] to thoughts about when [Resident 1] would be going home...[Resident 1] went to [Resident 1's] room and shortly after [Resident 1] was found on the floor unconscious with a shirt tight around [Resident 1's] neck. [Police Department] was already on site because of another incident...[Resident 1] was transported to [hospital]...[Resident 1] moved to a higher level of care for now..." 2. [...] The document stated, "...Member attempted to self-harm using a bed sheet to choke [Resident 1's] self. [...] [Staff 7] reported [Staff 1] immediately called 911, removed the shirt, and checked to see if [Resident 1] was breathing. [Staff 7] reported EMS took [Resident 1] to [hospital] and [Resident 1] was transferred to a higher level of care.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, complaint. Cited: R9-10-716.A.2.b. Behavioral Health Services A. An administrator shall ensure that: 2. If a behavioral health residential facility is licensed to provide .... "[...]" 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.

A child was left unsupervised with an unlocked medication cabinet, resulting in the child ingesting a significant amount of medication in a suicide attempt.

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

On 5/13/2024, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) received an allegation that on 4/24/2024, Client ([Child 1]) was transported to the hospital following an attempted suicide by hanging with a belt (refer to LIC811, dated 10/15/2024). [...] Staff on duty brought [Child 1] down and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until paramedics arrived. [Child 1] was resuscitated, transported to the hospital, intubated, and diagnosed with Hypoxia. [...] Based on confidential interviews, record review, and analysis of circumstances, the Department has determined that the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the allegation that staff did not provide necessary care and supervision to [Child 1] resulting in [Child 1]'s attempted suicide by hanging with a belt while in care is substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 84078(b). "[...]" 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 record review, documentation review and interview, the administrator failed to provide written notification to the Department of a resident's self-injury, within two working days after the resident inflicted a self-injury requiring immediate intervention by an emergency medical services provider. [...] 1. A review of [Resident 1]' s medical record revealed an incident report of a medical overdose by [Resident 1] on September 1, 2024. The report stated "At med pass, [Resident 1] was given [Resident 1] seroquel and [Resident 1] took the bottle, emptied it into [Resident 1] mouth, and swallowed 13 or 14 tablets." The report indicated [Staff 4] contacted 911 and poison control, and [Resident 1] was transported and admitted to the hospital. 2. A review of Department documentation revealed documentation to demonstrate BH7513 provided written notification to the Department of [Resident 1]'s self-injury was not available for review.

The assessment stated [Resident 1] is diagnosed with "bipolar disorder", had "3-4 attempts" of suicide, and had "tried to overdose with Benadryl." 4.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, complaint. Cited: G. An administrator shall provide written notification to the Department of a resident's: 2. Self-injury, within two working days after the resident inflicts a ...; A. An administrator shall ensure that: 7. A resident does not: a. Use or have access to any materials, furnishings, or equipment or participate in any activity .... "[...]" 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.

Attempted to hang self 2 x with a shower curtain, 2 years ago attempted to cut throat with glass.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, complaint and compliance (annual). Cited: A. An administrator shall ensure that: 1. A resident is admitted based upon: b. The resident's behavioral health issue and treatment needs are within the ....

Based on review of the internal incident report, the provider failed to implement prompt emergency care to Resident #1 after Resident #1 experienced a suicide attempt. There was a 9-minute period between the time Resident #1 was found after the suicide attempt and the provider decision to call EMS. Per video review of the incident, Resident #1 was discovered by Staff #1 and #2 at 5:01pm after the suicide attempt. Per the incident report, after a few minutes of asking Resident #1 questions, Staff #2 and Staff #6 made the determination that EMS personnel were needed and made a 911 telephone call. The incident report explained the call to EMS was not made until, "about 5:10pm," which was after the internal nursing staff was contacted.

From the state's report. Non-compliance, DBHDS investigation. Cited: 12VAC35-46-810. A. (3) The provider shall have and implement written procedures for promptly: 3. Providing emergency services for each resident;; 12VAC35-46-810. A. (4) The provider shall have and implement written procedures for promptly: 4. Providing emergency services for any resident experiencing or ....

A caregiver was observed on their cell phone and then working on paperwork when a child in care, who was on eyesight supervision, attempted to commit suicide in the bathroom.

From the state's report. Risk level: High. Cited: 748.685(a)(5) - Caregiver responsibility - being able to intervene when necessary to ensure child's safety.

A caregiver failed to abide by a child's supervision requirements which resulted in a suicide attempt.

From the state's report. Risk level: High. Cited: 748.685(a)(3) - Caregiver responsibility - being aware of and accountable for each child's on-going activity.

In plain words: A child in the program was found asleep in bed with a staff member outside the door. A deputy later took the child to the hospital for an evaluation after a reported suicide attempt using shoelaces tied to a door. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

8:16 pm: "Consumer assessed for 1:1 at 1950 (7:50 pm) - asleep in bed with staff outside door. [County Sheriff's Deputy] arrived at 2016 (8:16 pm) to transport consumer to [hospital] ED (emergency department) for IVC (involuntarily commitment) evaluation. [...] Reason for admission included self harming behaviors, suicidal ideations, physically and verbally aggressive. [...] As a result of those behaviors and attempted suicide attempt (SA), [Former client 13] was IVC'd. nterview on 3/7/22 [Former client 13]'s MCO Care Coordinator stated: [...] On 12/6/21 he received a call at 7 pm froma acility and told [Former client 13] was being sent to the hospital. [...] He recalled being informed during morning rounds that [Former client 13] attempted to hang herself with some shoe laces tied to a door.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited, annual, complaint, and follow-up survey. Cited: V 314. "[...]" 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.

It was substantiated that on Child # 1 attempted suicide at the facility and Staff Member A was made aware of the incident. [...] Staff Member A was indicated for abuse under the CPSL law on for causing serious physical neglect of a child for failure to provide medical care/treatment.

From the state's report. Citation, complaint inspection. Cited: 55 Pa. Code § 3800.32.b Specific Rights. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

Staff Member D arrived to the residence at approximately 7:04 PM, with scissors, and Child #1 was able to be freed from the door, Child #1 died as a result of hanging and was pronounced dead at 7:38PM.

At 6:57 PM, Staff Member A instructed Staff Member B, to contact the carpus Registered Nurse, and Staff Member C to find something sharp to free the ligature from around Child #1's neck, Staff Member C searched the kitchen drawers for a sharp utensil, but could not locate anything at that time. [...] Staff Member D was informed that Child#1 had hanged himself, and that she needed to bring scissors to the facility immediately.

From the state's report. Citation, incident ; inspection, licence action taken. Cited: 55 Pa. Code § 3800.96; 55 Pa. Code § 3800.32.b. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

On 7/5/13 Resident 1, attempted suicide by placing their belt around thelr neck and climbing into a closet. [...] The following day, 7/7/13, Resident 1 placed their belt around their neck in an attempt to commit suicide. [...] Resident 1’s safety plan was not updated for this Incident, On 10/12/13 Resident 2, date of admission 3/18/13. attempted to hang themselves by the neck with thelr belt, An updated Heaith and Safely assessment was completed for Resident 2 on TOMAS: not within a 24-hour perlod.

From the state's report. Citation, incident inspection. Cited: 55 Pa. Code § 3800.142. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.