summary: Unannounced - 3 findings

raw_content:
Licensed Child Caring Agency Unannounced Site Visit Report
Residential Care
Licensee: Connections365
Executive Director: Debby Lute
Program Director: Brandi Haws
Date of Unannounced: 3.6.2025
Licensing Coordinator: Jorge Pelinski
Other Regulatory or Accrediting Agencies: Oregon Youth Authority
Purpose: Per OAR 419-400-0240 (1)(b) Children’s Care Licensing is required to perform at least one unannounced site visit a year
where children in care reside.
Previous Findings Repeat Comments
Unannounced Site Visit – 5/16/2024 Findings
Further Action
Needed
Physical Plant Yes✓ No☐ Youth with initials N.G. Room – Holes were patched; but
419-470-0020(2)(a) & (c) Buildings are one of the patches still needs to be repainted.
smoke free, clean and in good repair
The following items were identified as needing Corrective Action:
repaired:
• P180 – Utensil drawer in kitchen is missing Program will paint the patch and send a picture as part of
and needs to be replaced. their Corrective Action Plan.
• Continuum – Youth Bathroom – Vent cover on
floor in youth bathroom is missing. Vent on
bathroom floor needs to be replaced.
Youth with initials P.D. Room – Door is broken and
needs replaced. The Program Director informed this
writer that a maintenance request to fix the door has
Form Rev. 11/14/2023 P age 1 | 4
been submitted. This writer also observed several
holes in this youth’s room that need to be fixed.
Repeat Finding - Youth with initials J.R. Room –
Has some holes in the walls that need to be
patched and repainted.
Youth with initials N.G. Room – Room needs
repainted. Blinds are missing and need to be
replaced for both windows.
New Findings from Site Visit Comments
Physical Plant P180 - Drawer in kitchen needs replaced. Work order is in. Licensing requested to
419-470-0020(2)(a) & (c) Buildings are have program send a picture once the kitchen drawer is replaced.
smoke free, clean and in good repair
Corrective Action:
• Agency will replace the kitchen drawer and send a picture of the fixed drawer
as part of the program’s Corrective Action Plan.
Physical Plant Continuum – Youth bathroom door has two holes in the door that need repair.
419-470-0020(2)(a) & (c) Buildings are
smoke free, clean and in good repair Corrective Action:
• Agency will repair the two holes and send a picture of the repaired door as part
of the program’s Corrective Action Plan.
Form Rev. 11/14/2023 P age 2 | 4
Interview Summary:
After the Licensing Review, 2 youths were interviewed on 3.13.2025.
The following information was gained during the interview with the youths:
P180 - The youth interviewed is 15 and years old. He feels supported and respected by the staff. Youth shared that he has
opportunities to go on outings. Youth reported being able to make phone calls to people that are on his approved contact list. He
shared that staff are in the room during phone calls. This writer followed up with a staff to confirm this information. This writer has
set up a time to talk with the Program Director next week to discuss phone calls and program residents’ right to private
communication. Youth reported getting three meals a day and snacks. Youth reports that the program provides soap, shampoo,
toothpaste and other essentials as needed. Youth reported feeling comfortable with staff as well as feeling respected. Youth
reported feeling safe at the program.
P180 – The youth interviewed is 19 years old. He feels supported and respected by the staff. Youth shared that he really enjoys
going on outings. Youth reported being able to make phone calls to people that are on his approved contact list. He shared that staff
are in the room present during phone calls. Youth reported getting three meals a day and snacks. Youth reports that the program
provides soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other essentials as needed. Youth reported feeling comfortable with staff as well as feeling
respected. Youth graduated from high school yesterday and is excited to be done. He plans on going to Portland Community
College investigating and is considering becoming a welder. Youth reported feeling safe at the program.
I spoke with two staff working at the programs:
P180 – One staff shared that he is staying busy and that things are going well over all in the program.
Continuum Program: One staff shared that the agency is working on hiring new staff. Interviews are scheduled. Staff have been
working extra shifts to help with coverage. Licensing was informed that the Program Director is also helping with covering shifts.
Form Rev. 11/14/2023 P age 3 | 4
Observations
This writer was given a tour of both programs by two different staff on shift. The youths were observed to be relaxed and
comfortable in the milieu. Both programs, in general, were clean, organized and well maintained.
The one youth observed appeared to be relaxed and comfortable in the milieu. The two programs appeared to be clean, safe, well
maintained and thermally comfortable. Outdoor spaces were observed to be neat and clean.
Corrective Actions and Timeframes:
Please submit the following to verify compliance.
Within 45 days of receipt of this report Connections365 must submit a letter of verification indicating the agency is in compliance with
the specific rules cited above and describing how compliance will be maintained going forward. Along with the letter of verification, the
agency must submit any and all specific documentation requested in the body of this report. The letter of verification and any additional
requested documents can be emailed directly to Jorge Pelinski at Jorge.L.Pelinski@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
Licensing Coordinator’s Signature: ________________________ Date: ___3_-1_9_-_2_0_2_5_________
Manager Review: ______________________________________ Date: _3_-1_9_-_2_02_5___________
Form Rev. 11/14/2023 P age 4 | 4

program_type: (RC) Residential Care Programs

report_type: Unannounced

facility_type: Residential Care

executive_director: Debby Lute

program_director: Brandi Haws

licensing_coordinator: Jorge Pelinski

other_regulatory_agencies: Oregon Youth Authority

purpose:
Per OAR 419-400-0240 (1)(b) Children's Care Licensing is required to perform at least one unannounced site visit a year
where children in care reside.
Previous Findings Repeat Comments
Unannounced Site Visit - 5/16/2024 Findings
Further Action
Needed
Physical Plant Yes✓ No[ ] Youth with initials N.G. Room - Holes were patched; but
419-470-0020(2)(a) & (c) Buildings are one of the patches still needs to be repainted.
smoke free, clean and in good repair
The following items were identified as needing Corrective Action:
repaired:
- P180 - Utensil drawer in kitchen is missing Program will paint the patch and send a picture as part of
and needs to be replaced. their Corrective Action Plan.
- Continuum - Youth Bathroom - Vent cover on
floor in youth bathroom is missing. Vent on
bathroom floor needs to be replaced.
Youth with initials P.D. Room - Door is broken and
needs replaced. The Program Director informed this
writer that a maintenance request to fix the door has

been submitted. This writer also observed several
holes in this youth's room that need to be fixed.
Repeat Finding - Youth with initials J.R. Room -
Has some holes in the walls that need to be
patched and repainted.
Youth with initials N.G. Room - Room needs
repainted. Blinds are missing and need to be
replaced for both windows.
New Findings from Site Visit Comments
Physical Plant P180 - Drawer in kitchen needs replaced. Work order is in. Licensing requested to
419-470-0020(2)(a) & (c) Buildings are have program send a picture once the kitchen drawer is replaced.
smoke free, clean and in good repair
Corrective Action:
- Agency will replace the kitchen drawer and send a picture of the fixed drawer
as part of the program's Corrective Action Plan.
Physical Plant Continuum - Youth bathroom door has two holes in the door that need repair.
419-470-0020(2)(a) & (c) Buildings are
smoke free, clean and in good repair Corrective Action:
- Agency will repair the two holes and send a picture of the repaired door as part
of the program's Corrective Action Plan.

Interview Summary:
After the Licensing Review, 2 youths were interviewed on 3.13.2025.
The following information was gained during the interview with the youths:
P180 - The youth interviewed is 15 and years old. He feels supported and respected by the staff. Youth shared that he has
opportunities to go on outings. Youth reported being able to make phone calls to people that are on his approved contact list. He
shared that staff are in the room during phone calls. This writer followed up with a staff to confirm this information. This writer has
set up a time to talk with the Program Director next week to discuss phone calls and program residents' right to private
communication. Youth reported getting three meals a day and snacks. Youth reports that the program provides soap, shampoo,
toothpaste and other essentials as needed. Youth reported feeling comfortable with staff as well as feeling respected. Youth
reported feeling safe at the program.
P180 - The youth interviewed is 19 years old. He feels supported and respected by the staff. Youth shared that he really enjoys
going on outings. Youth reported being able to make phone calls to people that are on his approved contact list. He shared that staff
are in the room present during phone calls. Youth reported getting three meals a day and snacks. Youth reports that the program
provides soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other essentials as needed. Youth reported feeling comfortable with staff as well as feeling
respected. Youth graduated from high school yesterday and is excited to be done. He plans on going to Portland Community
College investigating and is considering becoming a welder. Youth reported feeling safe at the program.
I spoke with two staff working at the programs:
P180 - One staff shared that he is staying busy and that things are going well over all in the program.
Continuum Program: One staff shared that the agency is working on hiring new staff. Interviews are scheduled. Staff have been
working extra shifts to help with coverage. Licensing was informed that the Program Director is also helping with covering shifts.

Observations
This writer was given a tour of both programs by two different staff on shift. The youths were observed to be relaxed and
comfortable in the milieu. Both programs, in general, were clean, organized and well maintained.
The one youth observed appeared to be relaxed and comfortable in the milieu. The two programs appeared to be clean, safe, well
maintained and thermally comfortable. Outdoor spaces were observed to be neat and clean.

excerpt:
419-470-0020(2)(a) & (c) Buildings are
smoke free, clean and in good repair Corrective Action:
- Agency will repair the two holes and send a picture of the repaired door as part
of the program's Corrective Action Plan.
Physical Plant P180 - Drawer in kitchen needs replaced. Work order is in. Licensing requested to


state: OR

facility_name: Rising Light

summary: Unannounced - 4 findings

raw_content:
Licensed Child Caring Agency Unannounced Site Visit Report
Licensee: Douglas Co. Juvenile Department
Executive Director: Aric Fromdahl
Program Director(s): Rob Salerno
Date of Unannounced: 10/08/2021
Licensing Coordinator: Mary Torres Oregon Department of Human Services - Child Welfare Treatment Services
Other Regulatory or Accrediting Agencies: Child Welfare Treatment Services, Joint Commission Accreditation
Purpose: Per OAR 413-215-0101 (1) (b) Children’s Care Licensing is required to perform at least one unannounced site visit a year where children
in care reside.
Previous Findings Repeat Comments
Findings
Further Action
Needed
413-215-0511 Yes☐ No The dishwasher and water heater in River Rock require repair or replacement.
Physical Plant Requirements
(c) All areas of buildings where children in These appliances have been repaired and are in working order.
care are
present must be kept clean and in good
repair. Major appliances and heating,
ventilation,
plumbing, and electrical systems must
be functional and in good repair
New Findings from Site Visit Comments
413-215-0551 Medication River Rock
(Technical Amended 01/13/20) - The medication administration record for one youth did not have a documented reason for an entire
(10) Medication records. A written record day’s missed medication. Please remind staff to document all required information in the
must be kept for each child in care listing all medication administration record from this point forward.
medications, both prescription and over the
counter, that are administered. The record
must include all of the following:
(d) A record of missed dosages.
1
I:\LICENSING\CCLU Forms & Templates\Site Visit Checklists (rev. 200115)
413-215-0511 Rising Light
Physical Plant Requirements - Room #2 – paint peeling from the wall at the head of the bed. Repaint peeling area.
(Technical Amended 01/13/20)
(2) A residential care agency must meet all River Rock
of the following requirements: - Armoire in resident AR’s room, is broken. Replace or remove this piece of furniture.
(c) All areas of buildings where children in - Profanity found written in JD’s armoire. Remove or cover up areas where profanity is displayed.
care are present must be kept clean and in
good repair. Major appliances and heating, Foundations
ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems - Room (possibly #8) - ceiling tiles are being held together or up by duct tape. Replace broken tiles.
must - Railing on back deck has profanity written on it. Remove the profanity or cover it up.
be functional and in good repair. - Carpet on stairway needs cleaning. Deep clean this area.
- Upstairs shower takes a long time for hot water to run, then is too hot. Evaluate this situation and
repair what is needed.
413-215-0218 Foundations
Room and Space Requirements - Room #6 – has no working lights. Determine cause and repair/replace what is necessary.
(3) Bedrooms. Bedrooms for children in care
may not be exposed to drafts, odors, or River Rock
noises - Shower room has a light out. Replace light bulb.
that interfere with the health or safety of the - Shower room has no existing ventilation (neither a vent nor a window). Work with Facilities to
occupants. Each bedroom must comply with explore ventilation options for this room.
all of the following requirements:
(g) Have permanently wired light fixtures
located and maintained so as to give
adequate light to all parts of the room.
(4) Bathrooms.
(a) Bathrooms must be provided and be
conveniently located in each building
containing a child in care's bedroom, and
must have all of the following:
(H) Permanently wired light fixtures located
and maintained so as to give
adequate light to all parts of the room.
(I) Adequate ventilation.
Interview Summary
Dan Carr, who previously served as the Juvenile Services and Development Manager for the program, assisted with the initial tour of Rising Light. The two
remaining buildings, River Rock and Foundations were toured with Executive Director, Aric Fromdahl. During the tours, this coordinator was able to speak to
the program’s executive director, Rising Light’s supervisor, Samantha Swearingen, and various direct care staff. At the conclusion of the tour, two youth were
interviewed. The majority of the youth were attending school off site and were unavailable.
Rising Light is currently serving 5 youths. Although referrals continue to come in, many of the youth seeking placement have displayed recent incidents of
violence towards peers and/or adults. Recent incidents of aggression are currently a disqualifying factor for youth looking to be served by Douglas Co
2
I:\LICENSING\CCLU Forms & Templates\Site Visit Checklists (rev. 200115)
Juvenile Department. The program was recently able to update an enclosed courtyard. The courtyard is now utilized as an extra outdoor seating area where
youth can read, take space, or visit with peers. There are live plants, rugs, outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and lights that make the space warm and welcoming.
Youth are taking advantage of fresh air in a serene setting. A local realty business took the project on and covered much of the cost. Youth in this facility are
back to attending school within the community. Youth attend class separate from the mainstream school population and are not sharing classroom space with
male peers. This has been helpful for youth to remain focused on their studies and has decreased negative behaviors. The facility’s supervisor reports an
atmosphere where staff and youth interact positively. Staff are invested in the care of the youth and the youth themselves, and, for the most part, are getting
along with one another. Programming emphasizes “community based” services and staff model expectations and positive behaviors for youth. Youth find that
completing the level system is an accomplishment and work hard to graduate. Over the last few weeks, Rising Light has experienced 3-4 graduations. The
facility recently served a pregnant teen, engaging her quickly into prenatal care and helping her maintain her sobriety. The facility recently hired a second
mental health counselor. The two counselors are on site and will each be assigned 4 youth to serve.
River Rock is also currently serving 5 residents. During the tour, all youth were attending school off site. The executive director reports a recent site visit by
the County Commissioner. The Commissioner was direct with his recommendation of renovating River Rock while resident numbers in this building are low.
Foundations is currently housing 6 youths. One resident has recently graduated and is working full time in the community. Staff provide this youth’s
transportation to and from work. The facility’s back deck was recently repaired and replaced with all-weather composite decking.
In interviewing two youths from different facilities, both report feeling safe in their current placements. While one youth denies ever feeling unsafe, the other
admits that fights among peers leave the youth feeling unsafe. In this situation, the youth reports quick and effective staff intervention. Both youths were able
to list various staff members whom they would reach out to with concerns or problems. Staff are reportedly good at listening to a youth’s concern and/or
providing them with a grievance form. Each resident had a good understanding of their treatment goals and report staff assisting them in measuring their
progress. Positives identified about the program include staff helping youth change without youth realizing it and staff helping youth identify emotions. Areas
for improvement were related to the overall tidiness of the facility where it was reported that youth are not completing their chores and there is no follow
through by staff and staff being “more reasonable” regarding tablet use. Contact with family members is abundant, occurring daily.
Observations
River Rock is the last of the three facilities that has yet to be renovated. The building and its furnishings are showing signs of significant wear and tear. The
two other buildings remain in good condition. Licensing encouraged the executive director to follow the Commissioner’s recommendation to renovate the
building while there is a low number of youths.
Corrective Actions and Timeframes:
Please submit the following to verify compliance.
Within 45 days of receipt of this report Agency Name must submit a letter of verification indicating the agency is in compliance with the
specific rules cited above and describing how compliance will be maintained going forward. Along with the letter of verification, the
agency must submit any and all specific documentation requested in the body of this report. The letter of verification and any additional
3
I:\LICENSING\CCLU Forms & Templates\Site Visit Checklists (rev. 200115)
requested documents can be emailed directly to Licensing Coordinator email address or sent by regular mail to the following
address:
Department of Human Services
Children’s Care Licensing Program
Attn: Licensing Coordinator
201 High St. SE Suite 500
Salem, OR 97301
Licensing Coordinator’s Signature: ________________________ Date: _1_0_/2_8_/_2_0_2_1_ _________
10-28-2021
Manager Review: ______________________________________ Date: __________________
4
I:\LICENSING\CCLU Forms & Templates\Site Visit Checklists (rev. 200115)

agency_name: Douglas County Juvenile Dept (DCJD)

program_name: Rising Light

view_code: RC

licensee: Douglas Co. Juvenile Department

executive_director: Aric Fromdahl

program_director: Rob Salerno

purpose:
Per OAR 413-215-0101 (1) (b) Children's Care Licensing is required to perform at least one unannounced site visit a year where children
in care reside.
Previous Findings Repeat Comments
Findings
Further Action
Needed
413-215-0511 Yes[ ] No The dishwasher and water heater in River Rock require repair or replacement.
Physical Plant Requirements
(c) All areas of buildings where children in These appliances have been repaired and are in working order.
care are
present must be kept clean and in good
repair. Major appliances and heating,
ventilation,
plumbing, and electrical systems must
be functional and in good repair
New Findings from Site Visit Comments
413-215-0551 Medication River Rock
(Technical Amended 01/13/20) - The medication administration record for one youth did not have a documented reason for an entire
(10) Medication records. A written record day's missed medication. Please remind staff to document all required information in the
must be kept for each child in care listing all medication administration record from this point forward.
medications, both prescription and over the
counter, that are administered. The record
must include all of the following:
(d) A record of missed dosages.
1

413-215-0511 Rising Light
Physical Plant Requirements - Room #2 - paint peeling from the wall at the head of the bed. Repaint peeling area.
(Technical Amended 01/13/20)
(2) A residential care agency must meet all River Rock
of the following requirements: - Armoire in resident AR's room, is broken. Replace or remove this piece of furniture.
(c) All areas of buildings where children in - Profanity found written in JD's armoire. Remove or cover up areas where profanity is displayed.
care are present must be kept clean and in
good repair. Major appliances and heating, Foundations
ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems - Room (possibly #8) - ceiling tiles are being held together or up by duct tape. Replace broken tiles.
must - Railing on back deck has profanity written on it. Remove the profanity or cover it up.
be functional and in good repair. - Carpet on stairway needs cleaning. Deep clean this area.
- Upstairs shower takes a long time for hot water to run, then is too hot. Evaluate this situation and
repair what is needed.
413-215-0218 Foundations
Room and Space Requirements - Room #6 - has no working lights. Determine cause and repair/replace what is necessary.
(3) Bedrooms. Bedrooms for children in care
may not be exposed to drafts, odors, or River Rock
noises - Shower room has a light out. Replace light bulb.
that interfere with the health or safety of the - Shower room has no existing ventilation (neither a vent nor a window). Work with Facilities to
occupants. Each bedroom must comply with explore ventilation options for this room.
all of the following requirements:
(g) Have permanently wired light fixtures
located and maintained so as to give
adequate light to all parts of the room.
(4) Bathrooms.
(a) Bathrooms must be provided and be
conveniently located in each building
containing a child in care's bedroom, and
must have all of the following:
(H) Permanently wired light fixtures located
and maintained so as to give
adequate light to all parts of the room.
(I) Adequate ventilation.
Interview Summary
Dan Carr, who previously served as the Juvenile Services and Development Manager for the program, assisted with the initial tour of Rising Light. The two
remaining buildings, River Rock and Foundations were toured with Executive Director, Aric Fromdahl. During the tours, this coordinator was able to speak to
the program's executive director, Rising Light's supervisor, Samantha Swearingen, and various direct care staff. At the conclusion of the tour, two youth were
interviewed. The majority of the youth were attending school off site and were unavailable.
Rising Light is currently serving 5 youths. Although referrals continue to come in, many of the youth seeking placement have displayed recent incidents of
violence towards peers and/or adults. Recent incidents of aggression are currently a disqualifying factor for youth looking to be served by Douglas Co
2

Juvenile Department. The program was recently able to update an enclosed courtyard. The courtyard is now utilized as an extra outdoor seating area where
youth can read, take space, or visit with peers. There are live plants, rugs, outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and lights that make the space warm and welcoming.
Youth are taking advantage of fresh air in a serene setting. A local realty business took the project on and covered much of the cost. Youth in this facility are
back to attending school within the community. Youth attend class separate from the mainstream school population and are not sharing classroom space with
male peers. This has been helpful for youth to remain focused on their studies and has decreased negative behaviors. The facility's supervisor reports an
atmosphere where staff and youth interact positively. Staff are invested in the care of the youth and the youth themselves, and, for the most part, are getting
along with one another. Programming emphasizes "community based" services and staff model expectations and positive behaviors for youth. Youth find that
completing the level system is an accomplishment and work hard to graduate. Over the last few weeks, Rising Light has experienced 3-4 graduations. The
facility recently served a pregnant teen, engaging her quickly into prenatal care and helping her maintain her sobriety. The facility recently hired a second
mental health counselor. The two counselors are on site and will each be assigned 4 youth to serve.
River Rock is also currently serving 5 residents. During the tour, all youth were attending school off site. The executive director reports a recent site visit by
the County Commissioner. The Commissioner was direct with his recommendation of renovating River Rock while resident numbers in this building are low.
Foundations is currently housing 6 youths. One resident has recently graduated and is working full time in the community. Staff provide this youth's
transportation to and from work. The facility's back deck was recently repaired and replaced with all-weather composite decking.
In interviewing two youths from different facilities, both report feeling safe in their current placements. While one youth denies ever feeling unsafe, the other
admits that fights among peers leave the youth feeling unsafe. In this situation, the youth reports quick and effective staff intervention. Both youths were able
to list various staff members whom they would reach out to with concerns or problems. Staff are reportedly good at listening to a youth's concern and/or
providing them with a grievance form. Each resident had a good understanding of their treatment goals and report staff assisting them in measuring their
progress. Positives identified about the program include staff helping youth change without youth realizing it and staff helping youth identify emotions. Areas
for improvement were related to the overall tidiness of the facility where it was reported that youth are not completing their chores and there is no follow
through by staff and staff being "more reasonable" regarding tablet use. Contact with family members is abundant, occurring daily.
Observations
River Rock is the last of the three facilities that has yet to be renovated. The building and its furnishings are showing signs of significant wear and tear. The
two other buildings remain in good condition. Licensing encouraged the executive director to follow the Commissioner's recommendation to renovate the
building while there is a low number of youths.