By HILARY KINDSCHUH / Lincoln Journal Star JournalStar.com | Posted: Friday, February 5, 2010 5:00 pmA former employee of Cedars Turning Point was arrested Thursday on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old state ward.
In January, the girl told a counselor at the Child Guidance Center she had been having a sexual relationship with Robert Dirks III since December, Lincoln Police Officer Katie Flood said.
The girl said she had sexual contact with Dirks, 32, a youth care specialist, at the residential treatment center at 1430 South St. and at a Lincoln park, Flood said.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the girl said Dirks took her and another client, a 17-year-old girl, to two different Lincoln parks in December.
On one occasion, the affidavit said, the other teen witnessed sexual contact between Dirks and the girl in his car.
Dirks, who lives in Walton, was charged Thursday in Lancaster County Court with first-degree sexual abuse of a protected person.
On Friday, Cedars issued a statement saying a former employee had been arrested for alleged illegal contact with a client.
Jim Blue, president and CEO of Cedars Youth Services, declined to say whether Dirks was fired and when his employment ended.
"Since this issue was first reported, CEDARS has been actively assisting authorities and will continue to as their investigation continues," the statement said.
"Since 1947, CEDARS has placed the protection and safety of children as our number one priority. We take our responsibility seriously and are absolutely dedicated to preserving this tradition."
Because Cedars Turning Point contracts with the state, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will conduct its own investigation and take any necessary action based on its findings, said Todd Reckling, director of the Division of Children and Family Services.
Health and Human Services spokeswoman Kathie Osterman said Cedars Turning Point is licensed to care for 10 youths and is serving two state wards.
Reach Hilary Kindschuh-----
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