Empower Youth Homes LLC

A caregiver told a child in care they would end up homeless, teased children in care about their past trauma, and antagonized children in care to prompt misbehavior/outburst.

Children in care were told and reminded that they would lose their placement if they did not behave.

Children in care intervene and separate children during fights.

The operation's vehicle inspection sticker expired 2/28/2025.

The thermometer in the large freezer is reading at 12 degrees and the thermometer in the refrigerator is not functioning properly.

Two out of three employee files reviewed did not contain detailed documented information regarding the conversation or attempts made for employment history checks.

Two of the children's service plans specify a supervision plan of one staff to three children due their high-risk behaviors. However, on the day of the incident, only one staff member was present to supervise four children.

The medication count was documented incorrectly on the med log for two medications.

The medication count was documented incorrectly on the med log for two medications.

A child in care was not given their medication as prescribed.

The incident documentation did not indicate the time of the incident. Incidents that do not rise to the level of a serious incident must be documented in the same manner as a serious incident.

A caregiver did not provide the level of supervision for a child in care and was not aware a child was no longer present at the operation.

The operation did not provide appropriate caregiver oversight when leaving a single employee that was male to provide supervision and conduct bed checks. The male staff was unable to enter child bedrooms, per operation procedure to not leave camera view, to physically see/check that children were in bed. As a result, a child eloped without a caregiver knowing.

Children were allowed to hear other children's private information during medical appointments.

Three out of three employee files reviewed did not contain documentation of employment history checks for all previous employers in the previous five years.

Staff left vehicle keys in common area where resident had access to them. Resident took vehicle keys and locked herself in the vehicle.

A caregiver intentionally pushed and hit a youth in care during an altercation.

This standard was found to be deficient as part of a DFPS investigation.

It was observed that four beds did not have mattress cover or protector. It was also noted that there were no sheets.

The service plans reviewed all contained the same information verbatim for the supervision needs of each child.

Multiple children in care mention staff threatening loss of placement.

The operation failed to adjust a child?s medication as recommended by the health-care professional upon discharge from the hospital.

It was determined that staff members do not use prudent judgement when responding to children when they are upset.

Three out of three medication logs reviewed were missing documentation to show medications were administered.

During the walkthrough, there were wood boards and loose bricks laying around in the backyard. Also, in one of the living rooms there was a pack of screws observed laying out next to the firplace. Attempted to follow-up and the physical site was still not in compliance.

Staff are using profane language around the children in care.

During the walkthrough, there were wood boards and loose bricks laying around in the backyard. Also, in one of the living rooms there was a pack of screws observed laying out next to the firplace.

It was found during the investigation by an investigator that there were multiple children with 1 or 2 pills missing; medication errors were not documented.

One out of four youth files reviewed did not contain a suicide screening from admission.

Two out of four youth files reviewed contained service plans that were missing information.

Two out of two medication records reviewed did not have documentation completed for medications that were administered daily over a period of 4 days.

During the walkthrough of the operations, spoiled milk was found inside of the refrigerator {expiration date: Oct. 17, 2023}.

Open chips and cereal was found open in the pantry and were not stored in a closed container after being opened in the original bag.

During the walkthrough, a thermometer was not observed in the refrigerator.

Two out of four serious incident reports reviewed were not reported to Licensing.

During the inspection, it was observed one staff completing administrative duties while being the only staff counted in ratio to supervise the youth in care for more than 30 minutes.

One out of four youth files reviewed did not include a preliminary service plan.

During the walkthrough, the operation's grounds were observed to have several hazardous objects such as loose bricks and wood planks as well as a small metal ladder. There was also a fallen tree branch in the backyard still somewhat connected to the tree.

One out of four youth files reviewed did not contain the youth's signature on their service plan.

Several living insects were observed inside and outside of the operation.

One out of the four youth files reviewed did not contain the child's signature on their child's rights document.

Several beds in the operation were missing all required bedding components.

Seven out of fifteen beds did not include all required bedding components.

One out of two employee files reviewed did not indicate the date of employment, did not include a job description, acknowledgement of reporting abuse/neglect, verification of age requirements, affidavit for employment, and a job description.

Cleaning supplies were observed in an area accessible to youth in care.

There was not a policy that mention simultaneous interventions and the use of mechanical restraints/emergency medication.

Operation has not had a fire inspection completed yet.

Policy doesn't indicate child will be released from EBI after meeting timeframe per Minimum Standards.

The policy does not mention Simultaneous Intervention.

The hot water was not working.

Not all beds in the operation contained all components required for linens on the beds.

Operation needs a sanitation inspection.

There was not a policy that mention simultaneous interventions and the use of mechanical restraints/emergency medication.

Policy doesn't indicate child will be released from EBI after meeting timeframe per Minimum Standards.

The child file needs a place to document allergies.

Admission assessment is missing a spot for the primary caregivers for the child, any person with whom the child is allowed to leave the operation, and any other individual who has the legal authority to consent to the child?s medical care.

The policy does not mention that retaliation is prohibited if a complaint is filed.

The appropriate ratios for a Residential Treatment Center are not listed this policy. The policy provided states one staff to eight residences when it should be one staff to five residences.

Missing a form to provide all of the information to the next placement.

Operation has not had a fie inspection completed yet.

The policy lack's methods for employees to recognize signs that a child may be a victim of abuse/neglect.

Bedroom 1 has a tripping hazard at the doorway.

The admission assessment is missing a spot for the identification of any risk factors or warning signs of suicide. The safety plan staff and caregivers will implement related to the risk factors and warning signs. Also missing a spot for the results of the suicide screening at admission, if required.

The policy does not list required trainings for the employees.

The policy lack's prevention techniques.

The policy does not include information about staff needing a drug test upon being hired.

The policy does not mention Simultaneous Intervention.

The policy does not indicate that permitted EBI will be posted or provided to children.

The policy does not include sharing information with children in a manner the child can understand.

The staff file reviewed did not have a TB test.

Log needs to include: (1)Child?s full name (2)Prescribing health-care professional?s name, if applicable; [Medium] (3)Reason medication was prescribed, for prescription medication [Medium]; (4)Medication name, strength, and dosage [Medium-High]; (5)Date (day, month, and year) and time the medication was administered [Medium High]; (6)Name and signature of the person who administered the medication [Medium]; (7)Child?s refusal to accept medication, if applicable [Medium]; and (8)Reasons for administering the medication, including the specific symptoms, condition, and/or injuries of the child that you are treating, only for [Medium-High]: (A) PRN psychotropic medications; and (B) Nonprescription medications and supplements for children under five years old. (d)Unless you operate on a cottage home model, you must count each medication daily

The policy does not mention if staff are allowed to take children away for day/overnight visits.

The policy does not include successive use of EBI.