ODADAS
Two Nationwide Plaza
280 N High Street 12th Floor
Columbus OH 43215-2550
August 1, 2005
ISAC Corporation
Midland VA 22728
Dear Mr. Earnshaw,
The Department has completed its investigation of your complaint against Kids Helping Kids. Attached is the complaint disposition.
If you have any questions about the complaint process and/or your specific complaint, please contact me at (614)644-8442.
Sincerely,
Dana Harlow
Division of Quality Improvement
c: Penny Walker, Executive Director, Kids Helping Kids
Karen Scherra, Clermont County ADAMHS Board
Lisa Palmer, CARF
Amanda Ferguson, Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board
James Lapczynski, ODADAS
Stacy Frohnapfel, ODADAS
Drew Palmiter, ODADAS
Complainant: ISAC Corporation Against: KHK
COMPLAINT SUMMARY:
1.Complainant reports that new clients are forced to be "beltlooped" and this is a form of constant restraint. He states that "beltlooping" is a form of humiliation and source of potentially harmful psychological and emotional side effects.
2.Complainant reports that "newcomers" are not allowed privacy while using the bathroom.
3.Complainant reports that "newcomers" are not allowed to watch TV, listen to the radio, or read, call home, tell their parents where they are living and are not allowed to carry identification or any other personally identifying object.
4. Complainant reports that "newcomers" are locked in the bedroom of the homes of families they are residing with at night in only their underwear. He states that the bedroom door is locked from the outside, windows are locked and alarmed. He alleges that this is a form of constant restraint and violates state fire codes.
INVESTIGATION SUMMARY:
The complaint investigation consisted of interviews with:
Penny Walker, Executive Director
Sean Smith, Program Director
Michele Dool, Counselor
Theresa Sitlow, Compliance Officer
2 clients and 1 family member
Additionally a review of the following documents was conducted.
Written complaint, including addendum (received by Shelby Earnshaw)
Written response from Kids Helping Kids (received from Penny Walker, Executive Director)
DISPOSITION:
The evidence submitted is not sufficient to substantiate the allegations against Kids Helping Kids.
To the allegation of "beltlooping" ODADAS says:
Penny Walker reports that the agency stopped the practice of beltlopping in early 2004. Clients interviewed stated that this practice is not taking place at the program.
To the allegation of no privacy in restrooms, ODADAS says:
The agency reports that new clients or "newcomers" are supervised while utilizing the bathroom to ensure their safety (prevent running away and self damaging behaviors). The agency has private bathroom stalls and newcomers are accompianied to the bathroom by peers ("oldcomers") who are in a more advanced phase fo the treatment program. Peers are in the larger bathroom area and can maintain verbal contact if necessary. In the host homes "oldcomers" supervise new clients by being near the bathroom and the door is open a small fraction. Agency reports that parents and clients have not filed any grievances about this practice and the clients and family member interviewed did not indicate any objection to this agency procedure.
To the allegation of no TV, radio etc... ODADAS says:
Agency reports that in the initial phase of treatment the "newcomer" is restricted from watching TV and listening to the radio but is able to earn privileges as they progress through the program. Parents hosting "newcomers" often share information with "newcomer" parents about the client's experiences in their home. Staff are available to consult with parents 24/7. Most clients do not carry identification and are not of legal age to drive.
To the allegation of bedroom locks, sleeping in underwear ODADAS says:
The agency director reports that the program pays for alarm service for all homes that host clients. The windows and doors are alarmed in order for parents to be alerted if a child attempts to leave the house. The windows and doors are not locked and all homes are required to have a fire escape plan. All host homes are inspected by a licensed social worker. Interviews with clients and agency personnel support that these practices are complied with.
To the allegation of Addendum to Complaint, ODADAS says:
Penny Walker reports that Dr. Corcoran has been utilized to conduct research while employed at the University of Cincinnati. He does not provide any alcohol and drug addiction treatment services or supervision of staff.
To the allegation of TSDRCP being administratively dissolved in Kentucky and operating a DRUG TREATMENT program in Ohio, ODADAS says:
The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services requires an agency to be in good standing in the state of Ohio and has no jurisdiction over the action taken by the state of Kentucky.
To the allegation of unlicensed host homes used by program parents, ODADAS says:
The Department certifies Kids Helping Kids as an outpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment program and does not license foster homes.
To the allegation of fraudulent assessments and fee, ODADAS says:
The Department requires that the agency completes an assessment on all clients admitted to their program. Certification inspections have verified that the agency is in compliance with this requirement. If you have any specific evidence or reports from parents that their child is not being assessed and fee is charged, please submit this information to the Department.
To the allegation of KHK using nearly identical to straight inc methods to treat adolescents for drug use issues, ODADAS says:
The complainant does not provide any specific information about what methods Kids Helping Kids are using that are abusive.
To the allegation of the redundant deficiencies that occur at each recertification interval and which will never be resolved due to the nature of the treatment modality, ODADAS says:
The agency has submitted an acceptable corrective action plan for all of the deficiencies noted above. The Department noted in an addendum to the certification report dated January 8, 2002 that the issue of client safety regarding clients assisting staff in restraining clients in an emergency situation was addressed with agency staff.
Submitted by:
Dana Harlow 8-1-05
