Fornits

Fornits Home for Wayward Web Fora
An open discussion about the troubled parent industry

A little bit of history, that unfortunately keeps repeating itself.

Taken from: http://http://jilliestake.blogspot.com/p/ridge-creek-school-former-spec-ed.html

Thank you to the ORCC documents of late,  Marla McGhee, former Special Education teacher at Hidden Lake Academy(HLA), now Ridge Creek School(RCS) has been vindicated and it's a long overdue.  She was forced into silence for blowing the whistle on HLA,  receiving a cease and desist, and threatened with a lawsuit.  Although she was silenced her written word reverberates through our minds.  Like those after her, Clarke Poole(Admissions HLA), Cheryl Tantangelo(Director of Counseling RCS, depending on the day, apparently lost her position for speaking out to parents -  ORCC report), Dr. Horwitz (tending psychiatrist) all spoke out against admission of inappropriate students to the school. According to Dr. Horwitz, an argument ensued with XXX, Horwitz refused to take children off their medications, citing ethics and his oath.  Dr. Horwitz sent a letter to parents. Dr. Consuelo Reddick took over, but did not last, reports floated that she was worried about her license.  They too, were history;  another threatened with a cease & desist and a lawsuit.

The pattern of accepting inappropriate students (continuing after licensing and name change to RCS), against the schools own set guidelines for admissions is clear.  The school shall continue these inappropriate admissions until the ORCC stops them, or a child, or staff member dies.

The ORCC reports that there have been four attempted suicides by hanging since September 2010 (what the ORCC knows about). Students and staff have been targeted by violent offenders (ORCC reports), including LCSO incident reports of two riots.  Near 70 dispatch calls by LCSO to RCS in the last two years(LSCO logs), medication mishaps(ORCC reports), now another attempted suicide (it is reported that EMS and the LCSO were not called) and another child beaten by violent thugs.

The ORCC is mulling things over ... SIX years later.   It is very quaint in Dahlonega, very contained.  

Marla McGhee's letter
 Runs From HLA
Author  Topic:   Teacher Runs From HLA
marla  posted 2/7/05 5:15 PM      
As per this demand, Marla’s post was deleted
http://fornits.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?to ... =90#154999

I am a rare adult survivor of HLA - I got out IN FEBRUARY 2005,with a little sanity left. After teaching special education for nearly 20 years, I only survived 6 months at HLA. The kids don't feel they can talk to their counselors - maybe its manipulation - maybe not, so they told me things, but I was not in a position to do much except listen without criticizing them and then report safety concerns.ACTUALLY I REPORTED A SAFETY CONCERN TO A COUNSELOR (D.S.) THE DAY I LEFT. IT WAS ABOUT A GIRL WHO HAD JSUT RETURNED FROM A PSYCH HOSPITAL FOR TRYING TO COMMIT SUICIDE WHILE SHE WAS ON "clean air" _ where there is supposed to be extra supervision - THE GIRL HAD CUT SEVERAL MORE TIMES (mostly small stuff)DURING THE 24 - 36 HOURS SHE HAD BEEN BACK AT HLA AND TOLD ME SHE DIDN'T FEEL SAFE AND THOUGHT SHE NEEDED TO RETURN TO THE PSYCH HOSPITAL - I TOLD DOUG S. - ONE OF HER COUNSEWLORS ABOUT IT AND HE SAID "WELL, TELL HER TO CUT AGAIN AND THEN WE'LL SEND HER BACK TO THE PSYCH HOSPITAL." They certainly can't tell their parents their real feelings and experiences without being punished for being manipulative by those who are assigned to monitor their mail, email and phone calls. HLA is not the panacea for all teen problems - most of which kids grow out of or learn to use to their advantage in the business world. Some HLA kids need counseling, some need AA, some need psych hospitals; most need love and time to mature - most are there because their parents were MANIPULATED BY ED. CONSULTANTS AND HLA advertisements. Want a GREAT LAUGH? Go to "struggling teens.com/archives/2001/6/visit01.html" this is a site from "Woodbury Reports, Inc." some ed. consultant deal out of Idaho . This site, while only a few years old, certainly did not describe the HLA I just left. The article claimed the campus was attractive - that's about the only info. I can agree with in their entire review. All the "players" names have changed, except Len, who still owns it and seems like a decent guy, only he leaves the "Mice to play" while he does all his other business things and they do whatever they find most convenient (and maybe even sadistically fun). The article says all teachers are certified - try maybe 20%! The site claims all the kids have IEPs - not! Even if they come in with an IEP, HLA does not have to abide by it because they are a private institution. 100% do not attend college! The cafeteria does not over look the lake - maybe they visited on a rainy day! Restrictions kids get less food and water and are supervised by folks with questionable objectives. Most of the counselors are straight out of college with no experience, so they buy into what the administrators feed them about treating kids in a very punitive way and being constantly suspicious, not to mention telling them behavior modification works. It has been proven that behavior modification in humans is temporary at best.PARENTS - DO YOURSELF AND YOUR WALLET A FAVOR - BEFORE PICKING ANY BOARDING SCHOOL, VISIT UNANNOUNCED AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, AFTER PLACING YOUR KID IN ONE, VISIT UNANNOUNCED. Refuse to be treated like a mushroom- kept in the dark and fed crap! (Parents need to know when their son has been beaten up by a group of homophobic guys. (Some of the kids who came to tell me their problems were gay and felt they were being discriminated against because of this by their counselors and others.) Parents need to know when their daughter has stepped in big puddles of blood first thing in the morning that were left behind by her suicidal roomate. Parents need to know that group therapy has been shown to be more harmful than helpful for "cutters." THIS IS ALL SERIOUS AND FROM THE HEART BECAUSE I TRULY CARE ABOUT THESE KIDS.  

Clarke Poole's Emails

From: Nicole Fuglsang

Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 12:57 PM

To: Christy Jones; John McMillon; Josh Watson; Clarke Poole

Cc: Nicole Fuglsang

Subject: HLA Student Profile.....

Please give a brief summary of the student you feel is a good fit for HLA. I want to make sure Admissions and the counseling department are on the same page. J

THANKS!!!!!

Sincerely,

Nicole Fuglsang, MA, NCC, LPC

Director of Public Relations/Admissions

phone (706) 867-1720

fax (706) 864-5826

From: Clarke Poole

Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 3:44 PM

To: Nicole Fuglsang; Christy Jones; John McMillon; Josh Watson

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

One whose parents can afford the tuition.

From: Nicole Fuglsang

Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 3:48 PM

To: Clarke Poole; Christy Jones; John McMillon; Josh Watson

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

This is not the standard we want to set!

Sincerely,

Nicole Fuglsang, MA, NCC, LPC

Director of Public Relations/Admissions

phone (706) 867-1720

fax (706) 864-5826

From: Clarke Poole

Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 3:48 PM

To: Nicole Fuglsang; Christy Jones; John McMillon; Josh Watson

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

There are ideals, and there is reality.

From: Nicole Fuglsang

Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 4:01 PM

To: Clarke Poole

Cc: Nicole Fuglsang

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

Clarke, make sure all your potential students are reviewed by me before forwarding them on to Len.

Sincerely,

Nicole Fuglsang, MA, NCC, LPC

Director of Public Relations/Admissions

phone (706) 867-1720

fax (706) 864-5826

From: Clarke Poole

Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 4:01 PM

To: Nicole Fuglsang

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

I'll be glad to, Nicole; but lets be real. Len and Len alone sets the standards for admission to HLA. It really doesn't matter much what we or Counseling think. It's his call, plain and simple.

From: Nicole Fuglsang

Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 5:28 PM

To: Clarke Poole

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

Clarke,

You are either part of the Team or you are not. You chose. There are standards whether you use them or not.

If you are having bad day or have become frustrated please forward your emails to me directly instead of sharing your negativity with all around you.

I wouldn’t take a student profile to Len that I didn’t think was appropriate or borderline appropriate, it would be a waste of his time.

He trusts his staff maybe he is putting to much trust in you if you feel you do not need to follow the standards for the type of student that is appropriate for HLA.

Sincerely,

Nicole Fuglsang, MA, NCC, LPC

Director of Public Relations/Admissions

phone (706) 867-1720

fax (706) 864-5826

From: Clarke Poole

Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 10:17 AM

To: Nicole Fuglsang

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

Nicole... this deserves a thoughtful reply, and this morning I have a tour that should arrive at any moment followed by a move-in this afternoon. There is also some follow-up with the 4 move-ins I have scheduled for the rest of the week, but between now and then I will reply and we should certainly get together.

From: Nicole Fuglsang

Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 11:05 AM

To: Clarke Poole

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

I would love to meet with you Clarke and discuss your concerns.

Also, do you have copies for all the files for Fridays move-in’s or do you still need some from RCI?

Sincerely,

Nicole Fuglsang, MA, NCC, LPC

Director of Public Relations/Admissions

phone (706) 867-1720

fax (706) 864-5826

From: Clarke Poole

Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 9:50 AM

To: Nicole Fuglsang

Subject: FW: HLA Student Profile.....

Nicole,

Let me first acknowledge that I responded inaccurately to your initial request for a student profile summary of applicants deemed appropriate for admission to HLA. You asked for my opinion on appropriateness, and I responded, somewhat but not altogether facetiously, with what I see as the official view of appropriateness.

To be absolutely clear on this, I have no lack of confidence in my ability to submit appropriate applicants for approval. In fact, based on some of the acceptances I've seen in the last year or so, I am confident that my opinions on acceptances would have been far less problematic than how some of the official acceptances turned out. This might be due to the fact that my focus would be solely on the appropriateness of the student for this school, rather than concerns based on finances or consultant politics.

There is a fairly long list of students whose appropriateness I have questioned, especially in the last year or so. To point to just a few, let's look at (Jane Doe 1), (John Doe 1), and (John Doe 2).

(Jane Doe 1) had trouble here from the beginning, with most of her incidents involving violence. Finally, she was complicit in an elopement that culminated in the physical, and, by all indications, sexual assault on another student who was hospitalized for several days due to her physical injuries, especially internal injuries in the pelvic area. Then, rather than being dismissed immediately, she remained enrolled here for another month. The educational consultant who referred her to Hidden Lake was (Consultant 1).

(John Doe 1) came here with a very troubling history and equally troubling psychological evaluation. He was constantly involved in trouble including physical assaults on other students. He finally attacked and threatened to kill another student and the on-call clinical staff was called to evaluate him. She determined he was not only sincere but determined to actually try to kill the other student, and signed the order to have him committed to a psychiatric hospital. He did not return to Hidden Lake. The educational consultant who referred him to Hidden Lake was its owner, Len Buccellato.

Finally, we have (John Doe 2). Why in the name of Heaven this boy was ever even considered for admission to Hidden Lake is beyond me. He should have been in a padded cell in a psychiatric prison, and we knew it going in. It's difficult to distinguish his psychological evaluation, which was done by Len Buccellato and Brad Carpenter, from that of Hannibal Lecter's. Yet, in spite of first hand knowledge that this boy was not only totally inappropriate but dangerous, he was approved for admission and attended for a full year, interspersed with hospitalizations, until withdrawn by his parents. The educational consultant who referred him to Hidden Lake was (Consultant 2).

As an aside to this disgraceful episode with (John Doe 2), I took a call several months ago from (Consultant 3) an educational consultant in Miami. She had received from us a copy of Lakeside Reflections, in which was a photo of (John Doe 2). A month before (John Doe 2)’s family contacted (Consultant 2) for help in finding placement, they had called on (Consultant 3) at her office. She had, quite sensibly, recommended only RTC's for (John Doe 2), but there was his picture in Lakeside Reflections, a Hidden Lake student. In her excited (foreign) accent, she said "Clarke! My God, Clarke! This boy is a student there? Oh my God!" At least I was able to tell her he was no longer enrolled, but I was unable to give her a reason as to why he had ever been accepted in the first place without opening an ethical can of worms, so I feigned ignorance.

There are others, of course, who were known from the beginning to be inappropriate for placement, and I'll be glad to go into them with you, but I'm sure you are starting to get the point. Len has repeatedly said to me and everyone else who has ever worked in this department that "we do not do well with dysthymic kids", yet I have never seen a dysthymic kid not accepted for admission. If we know we do poorly with them, why accept them? At least they are not a danger to others, but they do little for our retention rate, which currently stands at 40% for the Peer Groups graduating in May (assuming none of the few who remain are withdrawn between now and then).

This brings us back to your question about my being or not being a part of the team. Just for clarification, you stated "You chose", indicating I have already made my decision, and the implication was that I had chosen to not be a part of the team. Perhaps you meant to say "choose", but perhaps not. I have, in fact, chosen, but not in the sense that you imply. As I said in an e-mail to you and Len several months ago, every comment and observation I have made as an HLA employee has been made with the intention of calling to management's attention practices that I believe are detrimental to the reputation and longevity of Hidden Lake Academy, as well as the safety and therapeutic well being of its students. Also as I pointed out, every time I do so I am reprimanded. I have a long list of such occurrences archived which I'll be glad to share with you and with others, should that be necessary. I am trying to be a member of this team, but I am not an automaton or a sheep. I have views and opinions which I am qualified by education and experience to express. No one has to like them or act on them, and obviously no one ever has; but I still feel compelled to state them, even if it puts my job in jeopardy, especially if I believe they involve ethical compromises and issues of student safety.

I'll be glad to meet with you and with Len to discuss these and all other issues that are of concern to you; and when we do so, I will go into a longer list of concerns of my own. I would appreciate a response to the issues I have raised here in response to your question regarding my commitment to this school, and my competence in evaluating applicants.

Sincerely,

Clarke Poole

From: Nicole Fuglsang

Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 1:37 PM

To: Clarke Poole

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

While we will address the majority of this email not on email… I wanted to make one comment….

This whole topic came about because of the comment you made that an appropriate student is “one whose parents can afford the tuition”.

It was interesting to see that of the three families you discussed two were provided with significant financial aid because their families could not afford the HLA tuition.

Doesn’t really fit with your statement.

Sincerely,

Nicole Fuglsang, MA, NCC, LPC

Director of Public Relations/Admissions

phone (706) 867-1720

fax (706) 864-5826

From: Clarke Poole

Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 1:39 PM

To: Nicole Fuglsang

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

As I noted in my response below, that comment was partially in jest. It has no bearing on the description of the students' appropriateness for this school. I'll be glad to meet with you at any time.

From: Clarke Poole

Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 2:02 PM

To: Nicole Fuglsang

Subject: FW: HLA Student Profile.....

I have reviewed my notes for these families and I see nothing to indicate that any of them requested one cent of financial aid. May I ask the source of your information and also ask you to check this out yourself? As I indicated, it still has no bearing on anything, but I want to make sure we each have all our facts right before we go into a meeting.

From: Nicole Fuglsang

Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 2:08 PM

To: Clarke Poole

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

I know because I was a part of the approval process while they were at RCI and then moved on to HLA.

I know for a fact the level of aid they were getting at RCI & HLA as I worked with both families directly.

I am the source of this information.

Sincerely,

Nicole Fuglsang, MA, NCC, LPC

Director of Public Relations/Admissions

phone (706) 867-1720

fax (706) 864-5826

From: Clarke Poole

Sent: Sat 2/25/2006 9:57 PM

To: Nicole Fuglsang; Bill Gray Jr.; Len Buccellato; John McMillon; John McMillon; David Reifenberger; David Jordan; Mark Keith; Christy Jones

Subject: FW: HLA Student Profile.....

Nicole,

I can understand precisely why you said you do not want to continue to address my concerns over student safety and unethical practices on e-mail. However, there are several final points I want to make for the record.

(1) You stated with total certainty that two of the students referred to below received "significant financial aid because their families could not afford the HLA tuition." Upon my questioning the accuracy and veracity of your statement, you also said "I know because I was a part of the approval process while they were at RCI and then moved on to HLA. I know for a fact the level of aid they were getting at RCI & HLA as I worked with both families directly. I am the source of this information." The adamancy with which you state your position is compelling. However, it is totally false.

I went to Bill Gray's office at 4:30 Friday afternoon and asked him to personally check the financial records for the three students in question as a means to help me refresh my memory. He did so in my presence. None of these students received one cent of financial aid. (Jane Doe 1)’s family received the Ridge Creek rebate the first month she attended Hidden Lake Academy, rather than the third month as is normally the case. However, the amount of tuition paid by her family was exactly the same as any other family. There was no financial aid requested or granted to any of these three families, period. This raises the question in my mind as to why you so steadfastly insisted that you were right in spite of my urging you to check your facts.

The whole business of financial aid was, of course, a red herring designed to deflect the focus away from the point of my letter: that the safety of Hidden Lake Academy students is being compromised by the improper and unethical admission of totally inappropriate and dangerous students. As I noted, it had nothing whatsoever to do with the concerns I had raised. Just for the record, (John Doe 2)’s psychological evaluation, conducted and signed by Len Buccellato, includes a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder, Pedophilia, and Personality Disorder with Antisocial Features. I am still waiting for your response as to why this boy, as well as the others, was approved by Len Buccellato to attend Hidden Lake Academy.

(2) You are the Director of Public Relations for both Hidden Lake Academy and Ridge Creek, as well as Director of Admissions for both institutions. In this job, you are the public face and voice of both programs. It would stand to reason that we would want in this very important position someone whose integrity is above reproach, since you speak for both programs. The fact that you intentionally attempted to mislead, obfuscate, and deflect rather than address honestly my concerns regarding student safety and ethical placement is, in my opinion, an insult not just to me, but to everyone in either of these schools, students and staff alike, as well as the parents of students and the educational consultants who they hired to assist with placement.

On January 31, 2006, you sent out a notice to all staff, and perhaps others outside HLA, that the "new student riding program will be completely operational by February 1st, 2006". It was obvious to all with eyes that this was impossible, since it was nothing more than a small area of scraped dirt the day before. I sent a reply to you stating "This is exactly what gets us in trouble with parents and consultants." I never received a reply. The "riding program" is still in exactly the same shape as it was the day you sent the announcement... no horses, no program.

If this approach to "public relations" is condoned by management, then it is no wonder we are constantly losing both students and staff. It is wrong, dishonest, and shameful.

(3) I am still waiting for answers to the questions I raised with you regarding admissions policy. In my capacity as senior admissions coordinator, I have an ethical responsibility to the parents and educational consultants with whom I work to be able to assure them that their children and clients are safe in this environment and properly placed here according to their needs and our ability to successfully address those needs. I am requesting a face-to-face meeting with you and with Len Buccellato to assure me that policy will be changed and those crucial issues properly addressed. I am also requesting that David Reifenberger, Director of Human Resources, also be present. Unless I am granted this meeting and in it given personal assurances by Len Buccellato that these concerns and others that I intend to raise will be immediately and honestly addressed, I have no choice but to tender my resignation in accordance with proceedures proscribed in the HLA Employee Handbook effective at close of business on March 15, 2006.

I am copying Len Buccellato, owner of HLA; Bill Grey, Director of Operations, HLA; John McMillon and Christy Jones, Director and Associate Director of Counseling for HLA, respectively, who you copied on your original e-mail; David Reifenberger, Director of Human Resources; David Jordan, Director of Counseling for Ridge Creek; and Mark Keith, Director of Operations for Ridge Creek.

Sincerely,

Clarke Poole

From: Nicole Fuglsang

Sent: Sun 2/26/2006 9:37 AM

To: Clarke Poole

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

Clarke,

We will meet Monday to discuss your concerns.

Again, email is not the appropriate place for this conversation as things are easily misconstrued. It concerns me that you are so willing to slander those around to try to prove your point. I understand that you are frustrated and apparently angry but is unprofessional to continue this email banter. It seems as though you just want to do this to get what you "think" in writing.

As to your statement below.... I expressed my understanding of the situation. If it was wrong I will correct it. Jumping to the conclusion that I "intentionally attempted to mislead, obfuscate, and deflect rather than address honestly my concerns regarding student safety and ethical." is completely false, slanderous and is absolutely insulting. Again email is not the place for this conversation as thoughts and tone of an email may be misconstrued. We will meet on Monday to discuss your concerns.

Nicole'

From: Clarke Poole

Sent: Sun 2/26/2006 10:12 AM

To: Nicole Fuglsang

Subject: RE: HLA Student Profile.....

For the record, Nicole, the definition of "slander" is to utter a false report. Unlike your e-mails, mine contain only facts which I or anyone else can verify. I will be in my office by 8:30 tomorrow morning, and I will be ready to meet with you and the two others at that time.

Dr. Horwitz Letter to Parents

GENERAL PSYCHIATRY
COMMONS
BUILDING ONE, SUITE 730
ATLANTA. GA. 30328
Phone 770-394-5050 Fax 770-730-0998

5/15/05

Dear HLA Parents,

Due to the fact that so many parents have inquired regarding my departure from HLA, I see no reason to withhold the truth. Two months ago, HLA hired another psychiatrist, to "Help share the load and give parents a choice". Which I thought was an excellent decision. Very quickly HLA started having her see many of the students I had been treating without informing me or having me discuss the case with her. This was frequently done in the guise of quoting me as asking for a "second opinion" even in most cases where I had worked closely with the parents and the student was doing excellent. As of yet, the new psychiatrist still has made no attempt to contact me even to say hello. My guess is HLA has strongly discouraged this contact.

As time went on, no new students were assigned to me. On several occasions 1 specifically asked both the HR director (who never returned my calls), and the CFO if I would be replaced. I was told on several occasions that 1 definitely was to be staying Only after some pressing and pointing out the odd behavior on the part of HLA did the assistant head counselor state in fact, I was being "phased out". Keeping in mind that HLA is a small community. I can hardly believe that these events were simply an oversight or a communicat: jn issue.

I believe this deceptive process which HLA had chosen is highly unethical and clearly is not in the student's or parent's best interest in any way. Therefore, by their actions, HLA has assumed total responsibility for any student under my care and has the complete task of their continued care whether it is to transport them to my office or have the new psychiatrist conduct a complete evaluation and continued treatment. As is clearly evident, the transition could have been ridiculously easy, professional, and effective if HLA had simply been open and forthright regarding their intentions.

I hope you can appreciate my actions and current position in not being able to work effectively in such an environment. I was saddened to quickly leave under such circumstances. I can only hope that HLA keeps their new pool cleaner than they did their relationship with me. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. 1 very much enjoyed working with you and your child and hope I was of help. Thank you.

Sincerely,

V ~~

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP WITHIN THE STATE OF GEORGIA

There have been several parent contacts made regarding incidents that have had horrid consequences for their children at Ridge Creek School.  In addition, several staff members, both current and former, may not know where to go to report their concerns.

Your calls and emails are welcome, however, one can go directly to the ORCC, the Director of the ORCC, the ORCC investigators, and the Commissioner of the ORCC.  The ORCC has provided contact numbers and email for "intake" complaints or concerns.  

It's not a perfect system, but it is what is available.  Documents are important when filing any complaint or concern.

CONTACTS

Written complaint/concern - either anon or signed -  DHR "intake" :  email -  [email protected]  (Parents, staff, or students).

Call complaint/concern- Director of ORS/ORCC Dave Statton email - [email protected]  phone - 404-656-5680/404-463-3390 Email complaints concerns to:  [email protected]  (Parents, staff, students)

Call complaint/concern - Governor Deal -  404-656-1776  email - online  http://http://www.georgia.gov/00/gov/contact_us/0,2657,165937316_166563415,00.html  (Parents, staff, students)

Question - DID THE ORCC REPORT THE BELOW AS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS?


Unfortunately no one appears to have the "brass", so to speak, to shut him down, or the guts to come forward after leaving HLA/ RCS.  I find it frighening that in the ORCC/ORS surveyor's report last fall, the surveyor noted "going to Ridge Creek Widlerness as an intervention."  The children being questioned answered that it was not a camp, but a tavern with wood floors ....  ring any bells?  He/she stated that he/she was there for 8 days ...  "THE CHALET."

Ridge Creek Wilderness OCCP was no longer to be used as an intervention and certainly  the "Tavern," "THE CHALET" was no longer to be used to isolate children as an intervention and behavior modification ward.

"THE TAVERN" FORMERLY KNOWN AS "THE CHALET"

Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
2. Behavior management shall be limited to the least restrictive appropriate method, as described in the child's
service plan pursuant to Rule
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure that behavior
management is limited to the least restrictive appropriate method, as described in the child's
Room, Board, and Watchful Oversight Plan and in accordance with the prohibitions as specified
in the rules and regulations.
Findings Include
Interview with Resident #2 was conducted on 6/2820/2010 at 3:15 pm. Resident #2 said he/she
doesn't remember what happened during the incident, but he/she knows that he/she was in a
fight. When asked if he/she received a consequence for fighting, Resident #2 indicated that staff
sent him/her to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #2's Individual Service Plan, dated 10/30/2009, did
not reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be used as a behavioral management
method.
Interview with Resident #4 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:25 pm. When asked if he/she
received a consequence for involvement with the physical altercation, Resident #4 said first staff
spoke with him/her then he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.Resident #4 reported that the wilderness program is not on campus. It consists of a tavern and
the residents sleep on wooden boards.Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #4's Individual Service Plan, dated 2/11/10, did not
reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be used as a behavioral management
method.
Interview with Resident #3 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:29 pm. Resident #3 stated that on
6/10/2010, Resident #5 came to him/her and said he/she was afraid that Resident #1 would kill
him/her. Resident #3 said later that night he/she and Resident #2 asked Resident #1 why was
he/she threatening Resident #5. Resident #3 said he/she was in Resident #4's room when he/she
heard a crash and screaming. Resident #3 said he/she saw Resident #1 run by the room.
Resident #3 said someone said that Resident #1 just broke a window and was trying to attack
Page 8 of 11
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Resident #2. Resident #3 said Resident #2 is one of his/her best friends and he/she thought about
Resident #1's problems and remembered Resident #1 threatened others. Resident #3 said he/she
was afraid that Resident #1 would injure Resident #2. Resident #1 said he/she was thinking that
Resident #1 had a piece of glass from the broken window. Resident #3 then admitted that he/she
pushed Resident #1 away from Resident #2 and Resident #1 turned around and hit him/her.
Resident #3 said he/she got angry and hit Resident #1 multiple timesDuring interview with Staff D on 6/28/2010 at 3:46 pm, Surveyor asked about the wilderness
intervention program. Staff D reported that wilderness intervention is used as a behavior
management technique.. Review on 6/28/2010 at 4:00 pm of Resident #3's Individualized Service Plan, dated 4/1/2010, did
not reveal that the wilderness intervention program would be utilized as a behavioral
management method.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Intervention Curriculum, revealed a
form labeled "Odds and Ends". This form states the following: "Students are responsible for
maintaining their gear, equipment, and personal hygiene. If students break, lose, or do not
maintain equipment--they may have to do without (Stay within policies and procedures, and
safety). Keep wilderness student off main campus. No student is allowed in the shelter until
completion of Solo." This form also indicates that tents are utilized.
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Initiative Daily Schedule, revealed
examples of rewards given to residents which includes: extra sleeping pad, pillows. The
schedule dated May 3, 2010 indicates the following: "solo starts at 9:00 pm, students can only
communicate with staff, journal about life goals, and objectives."
Cross reference Tag 840
Page 9 of 11
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen
Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
R 1808 290-2-5-.18(2)(c) Physical Plant and Safety.
SS=D
Each child shall be provided his or her own personal bed and mattress that is no shorter than the child's height
and at least thirty inches wide. Clean sheets, pillows and pillow cases, blankets or bed covering shall be provided
and sheets and pillow case
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure that each child shall be
provided his/her own personal bed and mattress with pillows, blankets or bed covering.
Findings Include
Review on 6/28/2010 at 5:00 pm of the agency's Wilderness Initiative Daily Schedule, revealed
examples of rewards given to residents which includes extra sleeping pad and pillows.
Interview with Resident #4 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:25 pm. When asked if he/she
received a consequence for involvement with the physical altercation, Resident #4 said that first
staff spoke with him/her then he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program for 8 days.
Resident #4 reported that the wilderness program is not on the campus. It consists of a tavern
and the residents sleep on wooden boards.Interview with Resident #3 was conducted on 6/28/2010 at 3:29 pm. Resident #3 stated that on
6/10/2010, he/she pushed Resident #1 away from Resident #2 and Resident #1 turned around and
hit him/her. Resident #3 said he/she got angry and hit Resident #1 multiple times. Resident #3
said he/she was sent to the wilderness intervention program as his/her consequence and slept
on a flat sheet of wood. Resident #3 said he/she was in the wilderness intervention program for 1
week.R 9999 Closing Comments.
Page 10 of 11
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
6/28/2010
7/21/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
An exit conference was conducted onsite. There was one rule violation related to self reported
incident #GA00083346. There were four rule violations found during the investigation. The
preliminary report was mailed on 7/12/2010. The plan of correction is due ten days after the
receipt of this report.

Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
11/8/2010
1/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, February 26, 2011
R 0000 Opening Comments.
The purpose of this visit was to investigate 88739 linked to 88735.
R 0840 290-2-5-.08(6) Staffing.
SS=F
Staffing. The institution shall have sufficient numbers of qualified and trained staff as required by these rules to
provide for the needs, care, protection, and supervision of children. All staff and volunteers shall be supervised to
ensure that assigne
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
****Based on record review, resident and staff interviews, the agency failed to provide for the
needs, care, protection, and supervision of the children in care.
Findings Include:
Incident #1
(1) During an interview on November 8, 2010 at about 12:39 PM with Resident #1, Resident #1
indicated she/he had engaged in consensual sexual activity with Resident #2 in the school
bathroom on 10-21-2010. Resident #1 indicated that two weeks prior to the incident on 10-21-10,
Resident #1 and Resident #2 engaged in sexual activity several times in various locations on
campus in which one incident (date unknown) occurred behind a tree on the soccer field while
another incident occurred (date unknown) on the downstairs balcony lodge. Resident #1
indicated that there was neither staff supervision nor witnesses to either of the incidents.
(2) During an interview on January 13, 2011 at about 4:15 PM with Resident #3, Resident #3
indicated that she/he was informed by Resident #2 that Resident #2 had engaged in several
sexual encounters with Resident #1 on the campus to include sexual activity which occurred on
the soccer field.
(3) Record review on November 8, 2010 of Incident Report dated 10-22-2010 completed by Staff C,
Page 1 of 3
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Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
11/8/2010
1/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, February 26, 2011
Staff C documented that she/he received notification of a report of two residents who had
engaged in sexual activity in the bathroom at school. An investigation was conducted and
camera records were reviewed on 10-21-2010 which revealed that around 8:17 AM Resident #1
was observed entering the girls bathroom and approximately 2 minutes later Resident #2 was
observed entering the same bathroom. The residents were observed 8 minutes later exiting the
bathroom and returning to their respective classrooms. There was no staff present to monitor the
residents as they went to the bathroom.
0
(4) During an interview on November 8, 2010 at about 1:06 PM with Staff A, Staff A indicated that
it is the agency's protocol that residents are not allowed to go to the bathroom during class (they
have designated breaks). However, if they are allowed to go to the bathroom during class, then
the teachers are to notify staff in order to monitor residents in the hallway. The protocol was not
followed and the residents were allowed to go to the bathroom unsupervised.
Incident #2
(5) Record review on November 8, 2010 of Incident Report dated 10-21-2010 revealed that
Resident #2 was placed on one to one staff escort after displaying suicidal ideations/attempts
several times during the day. The incident report indicated that on 10-21-2010 an emergency
safety intervention was utilized to prevent Resident #2 from causing harm to him/herself.
Resident #2 was placed on staff escort pending transport and admission to a treatment facility. In
addition, a review of Incident Report dated 10-22-2010 indicated that Resident #2 went to the
bathroom, while still on one to one staff escort, followed by another resident (unknown) who
found Resident #2 with a cord around his neck. Neither of the residents were escorted by staff to
the bathroom. The unknown resident then sought staff assistance who was able to cut Resident
#2 down before she/he lost consciousness. Resident #2 did not suffer any injury. Resident #2
was transported to the hospital for evaluation in which she/he was 1013'd.
(6) During an interview on November 8, 2010 at about 11:13 am with Staff B, Staff B indicated that
Resident #2 has a history of self injurious behaviors which occurred several months prior to the
incident on 10-22-10. Resident #1 had not exhibited any suicidal ideations since August 2010.
Resident #2 was placed on supervision precaution after exhibiting suicidal ideations a couple of
days prior to the incident.
This rule was previously cited on 09-09-2010 and 07-21-2010.Page 2 of 3
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
11/8/2010
1/13/2011
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, February 26, 2011
R 9999 Closing Comments.
A brief exit conference was conducted on December 4, 2010. A preliminary report was e-mailed to
the agency on December 10, 2010. A formal written plan of correction is due to the surveyor 10
days after receipt of this final Statement of Deficiencies.
Page 3 of 3
More Information Return to Facility Location and Information Guide Return to Inspection Screen[attachment=0:rec8ml48]ORS-01-13-2011.pdf[/attachment:rec8ml48]

http://http://www.advanc-ed.org/oasis2/u/par/accreditation/summary?institutionId=37703

Go to: “Executive Summary” for full doument.  It is enlightening to say the least.

Once again, RIDGE CREEK SCHOOL just like it’s days as Hidden Lake Academy is accredited to teach students with every anomaly known to man with no certified Special Ed. Teacher, no Science Lab., etc.  

SACS/Advanced Ed. issues guidelines for schools to follow, the guidelines are preferences, not written in stone.

Excerpt from document dated 2010, showing 100 children.

"Ridge Creek School students come from all over the country and from abroad; therefore, the RCS community extends well beyond the
local campus. In 2010, RCS served students and families from twenty-two states, and two countries. Eight three (83%) of students are
male. Students' ages range from 12-17 years (grades 7-12) at enrollment; the average age of students at RCS upon enrollment is 16.5
years. Students are typically from Protestant, Catholic or Jewish backgrounds; however, other faiths are also represented. Many
students come from divorced (45%), single parent 925%), or adoptive (25%) families. While many referrals are through educational
consultants, other sources of referral include the internet and parents of current and former students. Sexty-five percent of students
have had prior counseling; (25% have been hospitalized at least once and 30% have attended a wilderness program prior to
Ridge Creek School
Page 3
©2010 AdvancED http://www.advanc-ed.org
enrollment.  **** Though students tend to represent financially affluent families, 35% receive financial assistance.
RCS students tend to fit into the broad category of Oppositional defiant Disorder; however, many students also have other idagnoses,
such as Anxiety Disorder, ADHD'ADD, Major Depression, or other Mood Disorders. approximately 20% of RCS students have been
diagnosed with a learning disability and require special education services. Typical student issues and behaviors include:
- Defiance or parental and/or other adult authority
- Poor or declining school performance
- Depression and/or sucidal ideations
- Inappropriate expression of anger
- Promiscuity
- Runaway attempts/episodes
- Alcohol and/or drug abuse
- Self-destructive behaviors (e.g. eating disorder, self harm)
In RCS' professional staff-to-student ratio of 1:1, all counseling and academic faculty is consistently employed on a full-time basis.
Advance degrees are held by 67% of the academic staff, 100% of the counseling staff, and 93% of the administrative management
staff. As with RCS students, staff too comes from all over the United States,a s well as internationally to provide a culturally diverse
campus."

Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
R 0000 Opening Comments.
The purpose of this visit on September 1, 2010 was to investigate 86273. A subsequent visit was
conducted on September 9, 2010.
R 0801 290-2-5-.08(2) Administration and Organization.
SS=D
Program Description and Implementation. In accordance with these rules and regulations, a licensed child caring
institution shall develop, implement and comply with written policies and procedures that describe the range of
services including room, board
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Bases on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to develop and comply with policies
and procedures as to how services will be provided by the facility;
Findings Include:
(1) Record review on September 1, 2010 of the agency's Medication Administration Policy
indicated that when dispensing medication, the staff member will follow standard protocol in the
distribution of medication:
{ asking the child his/her name
{ the medication box
{ MAR (medication administration record) to identify the prescribed medication and student
photo to make sure the correct student is receiving the correct medication
{ will ask the student to identify the medication she/he is seeking
{ will be placed in a cup and staff will check the child ' s mouth to verify that the medication is
swallowed
{ will sign a signature sheet to record the administration of the medication, and
{ will sign the MAR.
In addition in case of medication errors and/or the administration of the wrong medication or
wrong dosage ingested the Department (Office of Residential Child Care) will be notified.
(2 ) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 08-27-10 for Resident #15
revealed that on 08-27-10, Staff C inadvertently administered the medications of another child to
Page 1 of 23
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
Resident #15. In addition review of Incident Report dated 06-05-10 for Resident #5 revealed
Resident #5 was inadvertently given the wrong medication after a group of residents crowded the
dispensary area and staff failed to properly follow medication administration procedure. The
incidents were never reported to the Office of Residential Child Care.
(3) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 3:03 PM with Staff DD, Staff DD
acknowledged that the resident's parents are notified regarding incidents involving the child.
Staff DD further indicated that the agency take medication errors very seriously and
acknowledged that it is considered a serious incident. Staff DD acknowledged that the incidents
were not reported within the 24 hour time frame as required by the Department. Staff DD further
indicated that the agency was unclear if several of the incidents in question were reportable
incident.
R 0833 290-2-5-.08(5)(d)4. Recordkeeping. Personnel Records.
SS=B
[Written personnel records] records shall include the following: ...
4. Documentation of at least two professional, educational, or personal references that attest to the person's
capabilities of performing the duties for which they are employed and to t
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on a review of personnel files and staff interview, the agency failed to document at least
two professional, educational, or personal references that attest to the person's capabilities of
performing the duties for which they are employed and to the person's suitability of working with
or around children in four of ten files reviewed;
Findings Include:
(1) Record review on September 9, 2010 of Staff C, E, and F's file revealed that agency failed to
maintain documentation of at least two references. In addition, review of Staff H's file revealed
Page 2 of 23
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
the agency documented only one reference.
(2) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 2:15 pm with Staff EE, Staff EE indicated
that she/he is responsible for completing and maintaining employee personnel files. Staff EE
monitors the files for compliance when time permits to ensure that files are updated; however
Staff EE indicated that she/he was not fully aware of all requirements in maintaining personnel
files other than what is indicated by the agency wide checklist of the required documents needed
in the personnel files.
(3) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 2:35 pm with Staff DD, Staff DD indicated
that agency protocol is that staff members are required to provide references within 90 days of
employment.
This tag was previously cited on 12-03-08.
R 0834 290-2-5-.08(5)(d)5. Recordkeeping. Personnel Records.
SS=D
[Written personnel records] records shall include the following: ...
5. Satisfactory preliminary criminal history background check determination and a satisfactory fingerprint records
check determination as required by law for the director and foster par
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on a review of resident files and e-mail correspondence with staff, the facility failed to
document a satisfactory preliminary criminal history background check on adults aged eighteen
or older who reside at the home;
Page 3 of 23
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
Findings Include:
(1) Review of the record of eighteen year-old Resident #1 on September 9, 2010 revealed that the
agency failed to obtain a criminal background check.
(2) E-mail correspondence with Staff DD on 09/16/2010 at 8:32 am revealed that there were 23
other residents who lived or had lived at the facility since January 1, 2010. Staff DD
acknowledged that criminal background checks had not been obtained on any of these residents.
R 0838 290-2-5-.08(5)(d)9. Recordkeeping. Personnel Records.
SS=D
[Written personnel records] records shall include the following: ...
9. Documentation of orientation and training, including dates of all such training, as required by Rule .08(6)(d) of
these rules; ...
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on review of personnel files and staff interview, the agency failed to document orientation
and training in eight of ten files reviewed;
Findings Include:
(1) Record review on September 9, 2010 of Staff A, B, C, D, E, F, H, and J's file revealed that there
was no documentation to support that orientation and training had been provided to each staff
member.
(2) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 2:15 pm with Staff EE, Staff EE indicated
that she/he is responsible for completing and maintaining employee personnel files. Staff EE
monitors the files for compliance when time permits to ensure that files are updated; however
Staff EE indicated that she/he was not fully aware of all requirements in maintaining personnel
files other than what is indicated by the agency wide checklist of the required documents needed
in the personnel files.
Page 4 of 23
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
(3) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 2:35 pm with Staff DD, Staff DD indicated
that initial orientation and training is provided by him/herself regarding the policies and
procedures related to the organization and job however the department heads provided training
specific to the role of the particular staff member. Staff DD indicated that all staff received
orientation and training however the agency was unable to provide documentation of the staff
members' receipt of the training.
R 0840 290-2-5-.08(6) Staffing.
SS=E
Staffing. The institution shall have sufficient numbers of qualified and trained staff as required by these rules to
provide for the needs, care, protection, and supervision of children. All staff and volunteers shall be supervised to
ensure that assigne
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review, resident and staff interviews, the agency failed to provide for the needs,
care, protection, and supervision of the children in care;
Findings Include:
(1) During an interviews conducted on September 1, 2010 from 1:00 pm-3:30 pm with Residents
101, 102, 108, 109, 110, and 112 in which all residents acknowledged that they are aware of
residents engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior. It was reported that the residents would
sneak off in designated areas unbeknownst to staff.
(2) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 06-06-10 for Resident #11
revealed Resident #11 along with 6 other females disclosed to staff an incident involving sexual
activity between Resident #11 and an older male resident. It was documented that Resident #11
appeared upset and stated that what occurred between herself (R11) and the male resident was
Page 5 of 23
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
an unwelcome encounter. Furthermore, it was documented that Resident #11 initially lied about
the incident because she/he did not want the peer to get in trouble. In addition, review of Incident
Report dated 04-25-10 for Resident #11 revealed that Resident #11 was found around 8:15 am
asleep in the bed with Resident #15. Furthermore, review of Incident Report dated 05-08-10 for
Resident #15 revealed that a room search was conducted in which several notes were found
referencing several sexual encounters with male students.
(3) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 12:43 pm with Staff AA, Staff AA indicated
that to his/her knowledge there has been no current sexual activity reported and/or observed
amongst the students however Staff AA acknowledged that previously there was an issue in
which Resident #11 made allegations against a male student. After a week of the incident
Resident #11. Resident #11 child reported the story in which the story changed when she spoke
with another counselor and her mother. In regards to the incidents with Resident #15 it was
found that Resident #15 had engaged in sexual acting out on 3 separate occasions in some sort
of consensual encounter with another male student in which Resident #15 reported that she/he
engaged in sexual inappropriate activities with the male peer in which the incident incident
occurred in the music room at student activity center and the other two incidents occurred in the
movie room in student activity center and the bathroom in academic building. The agency
conducted an investigation which revealed that the incidents occurred and all parents of the
residents were notified.
(4) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 5:00 pm with Staff DD, Staff DD indicated
that the clinical director followed up with the counselor regarding the allegations in which
Resident #11 re-canted the allegation. As a result of the incident she/he re-wrote the abuse
reporting policy and procedure effective April 2010 which addressed the reporting of allegations
as a means to address reporting of incidents and it addressed specific procedures in which the
counselors to follow in reporting of incidents.
This rule was previously cited on 07-21-10.
Page 6 of 23
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
R 0852 290-2-5-.08(6)(d)1. Staffing.
SS=E
[Staff] orientation shall include instruction in:
(i) The institution's purpose and description of services and its policies and procedures;
(ii) The employee's assigned duties and responsibilities;
(iii) Grievance policies and procedures;
(iv) Child
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on review of personnel files and staff interview, the agency failed to document all required
components of orientation training needed prior to the staff being able to work with the residents
in eight of ten files reviewed;
Findings Include:
(1) Record review on September 9, 2010 of Staff A, B, C, D, E, F, H, and J's file revealed that there
was no documentation to support that orientation and training had been provided to each staff
member.
(2) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 2:15 pm with Staff EE, Staff EE indicated
that she/he is responsible for completing and maintaining employee personnel files. Staff EE
monitors the files for compliance when time permits to ensure that files are updated; however
Staff EE indicated that she/he was not fully aware of all requirements in maintaining personnel
files other than what is indicated by the agency wide checklist of the required documents needed
in the personnel files.
(3) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 2:35 pm with Staff DD, Staff DD indicated
that initial orientation and training is provided by him/herself regarding the policies and
procedures related to the organization and job however the department heads provided training
specific to the role of the particular staff member. Staff DD indicated that all staff received
orientation and training however the agency was unable to provide documentation of the staff
Page 7 of 23
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
members' receipt of the training.
This tag was previously cited on 12-03-08.
R 0861 290-2-5-.08(7) Staffing.
SS=D
Reporting. Detailed written summary reports shall be made to the Department of Human Resources, Office of
Regulatory Services, Residential Child Care Unit via email or fax on the required incident intake information form
(IIIF) within 24 hours.
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to submit a detailed written
summary report to the Department of Human Services, Office of Residential Child Care (ORCC)
via e-mail or fax on the required incident intake information form (IIIF) within 24 hours in ten of
thirty-five incidents reviewed;
Findings Include:
(1) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 08-04-10 for Resident #16
revealed that on 08-04-10, Resident #16 was taken to the emergency room for a nondisplaced
fracture of the Right 5th metacarpal head (right hand).
(2) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 08-27-10 for Resident #15
revealed that on 08-27-10, Staff C inadvertently administered to Resident #15 the medication
Citolopram that was intended for another child.
Page 8 of 23
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Georgia Department of Human Resources,
Office of Regulatory Services State Form
Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
(3) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 06-06-10 for Resident #11
revealed Resident #11 along with 6 other females disclosed to staff an incident involving sexual
activity between Resident #11 and an older male resident. It was documented that Resident #11
appeared upset and stated that what occurred between herself (R11) and the male resident was
an unwelcome encounter. Furthermore, it was documented that Resident #11 initially lied about
the incident because she/he did not want the peer to get in trouble.
(4) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 12-04-09 for Resident #17
revealed Resident #17 was involved in an altercation with a peer while staff was in process of
restraining another peer. It was documented that staff intervened after hearing Resident #17
screaming and proceeded to restrain the peer. Resident #17 ran out the dorm and the police was
notified of the elopement. Later Resident #17 was found by the pond in which she/he threatened
to throw his/herself in the pond in which Resident #17 eventually did and staff retrieved Resident
#17 out the water. The ambulance was called to assess Resident #17 for hypothermia. In addition,
review of Incident Report dated 05-08-10 for Resident #17 revealed that a room search was
conducted in which several notes were found referencing sexual contact with male peers at the
facility.
(5) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 06-05-10 for Resident #5
revealed Resident #5 was inadvertently given the wrong medication after a group of residents
crowded the dispensary area and staff failed to properly follow medication administration
procedure. In addition, review of Incident Report dated 05-13-10 for Resident #5 revealed
Resident #5 was treated and cleared by Lumpkin Co Paramedics for seizure disorder in which
resident lost consciousness for about 4 minutes.
(6) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 07-20-10 for Resident #2
revealed that a missing person was filed with Lumpkin Co Police for Resident #2 after a room
check was conducted around 9:20 pm in which Resident #2 was observed missing from the
facility. In addition, review of Incident Report dated 07-15-10 revealed Resident #2 gave his/her
psychotropic medication, Seroquel, to another peer. Furthermore, review of Incident Report
dated 07-02-10 revealed Resident #2 tested positive for THC which she/he brought on campus on
06-30-10.
(7) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 05-13-10 for Resident #3
revealed Resident #3 was transported to the hospital for possible concussion after Resident #3
reported hitting his/her head on a rock resulting in nausea and dizziness. All of the incidents
documented were not reported to the Department (ORCC) as of September 1, 2010.
Page 9 of 23
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Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
( During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 3:03 PM with Staff DD, Staff DD
acknowledged that the resident's parents are notified regarding incidents involving the child.
Staff DD further indicated that the agency take medication errors very seriously and
acknowledged that it is considered a serious incident. Staff DD acknowledged that the incidents
were not reported within the 24 hour time frame as required by the Department. Staff DD further
indicated that the agency was unclear if several of the incidents in question were reportable
incident.
R 0862 290-2-5-.08(7)(a-g) Staffing.
SS=D
This [detailed written summary] report shall be made regarding serious occurrences involving children in care,
including but not limited to:
(a) Accidents or injuries requiring medical treatment and/or hospitalization;
(b) Death;
(c) Suicide attempts;
(
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to report incidents regarding
serious occurrences involving children in care in ten of thirty-five incidents reviewed;
Findings Include:
(1) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 08-04-10 for Resident #16
revealed that on 08-04-10, Resident #16 was taken to the emergency room for a nondisplaced
fracture of the Right 5th metacarpal head (right hand).
(2) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 08-27-10 for Resident #15
Page 10 of 23
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9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
revealed that on 08-27-10, Staff C inadvertently administered to Resident #15 the medication
Citolopram that was intended for another child.
(3) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 06-06-10 for Resident #11
revealed Resident #11 along with 6 other females disclosed to staff an incident involving sexual
activity between Resident #11 and an older male resident. It was documented that Resident #11
appeared upset and stated that what occurred between herself (R11) and the male resident was
an unwelcome encounter. Furthermore, it was documented that Resident #11 initially lied about
the incident because she/he did not want the peer to get in trouble.
(4) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 12-04-09 for Resident #17
revealed Resident #17 was involved in an altercation with a peer while staff was in process of
restraining another peer. It was documented that staff intervened after hearing Resident #17
screaming and proceeded to restrain the peer. Resident #17 ran out the dorm and the police was
notified of the elopement. Later Resident #17 was found by the pond in which she/he threatened
to throw his/herself in the pond in which Resident #17 eventually did and staff retrieved Resident
#17 out the water. The ambulance was called to assess Resident #17 for hypothermia. In addition,
review of Incident Report dated 05-08-10 for Resident #17 revealed that a room search was
conducted in which several notes were found referencing sexual contact with male peers at the
facility.
(5) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 06-05-10 for Resident #5
revealed Resident #5 was inadvertently given the wrong medication after a group of residents
crowded the dispensary area and staff failed to properly follow medication administration
procedure. In addition, review of Incident Report dated 05-13-10 for Resident #5 revealed
Resident #5 was treated and cleared by Lumpkin Co Paramedics for seizure disorder in which
resident lost consciousness for about 4 minutes.
(6) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 07-20-10 for Resident #2
revealed that a missing person was filed with Lumpkin Co Police for Resident #2 after a room
check was conducted around 9:20 pm in which Resident #2 was observed missing from the
facility. In addition, review of Incident Report dated 07-15-10 revealed Resident #2 gave his/her
psychotropic medication, Seroquel, to another peer. Furthermore, review of Incident Report
dated 07-02-10 revealed Resident #2 tested positive for THC which she/he brought on campus on
06-30-10.
(7) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Incident Report dated 05-13-10 for Resident #3
Page 11 of 23
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9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
revealed Resident #3 was transported to the hospital for possible concussion after Resident #3
reported hitting his/her head on a rock resulting in nausea and dizziness. All of the incidents
documented were not reported to the Department (ORCC) as of September 1, 2010.
( During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 3:03 PM with Staff DD, Staff DD
acknowledged that the resident's parents are notified regarding incidents involving the child.
Staff DD further indicated that the agency take medication errors very seriously and
acknowledged that it is considered a serious incident. Staff DD acknowledged that the incidents
were not reported within the 24 hour time frame as required by the Department. Staff DD further
indicated that the agency was unclear if several of the incidents in question were reportable
incident.
R 1003 290-2-5-.10(b) Assessment and Planning.
SS=C
A service and room, board and watchful oversight plan shall be developed by the child's Human Services
Professional in concert with the child's primary Child Care Worker, meaning the worker who has responsibility for
supervision of the child in the living
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on review of resident files and staff interview, the agency failed to develop a complete
service and room, board and watchful oversight (SRBWO) plan in four of five files reviewed;
Findings Include:
Page 12 of 23
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9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
(1) Record review on September 1, 2010 of Resident #2's SRBWO or Individual Service Plan (ISP)
(dated 08/10), Resident #4's SRBWO/ISP (dated 05/10), Resident #11's SRBWO/ISP (04/10), and
Resident #15's SRBWO/ISP (dated 01/10) revealed that agency failed to address
objectives/activities utilized by staff to assist the residents in attaining their stated goals,
preliminary plans of discharge, and any special care and/or services in the Individual Service
Plans for the residents. .
(2) According to e-mail correspondence dated September 23, 2010 from Staff DD, Staff DD
indicated that the agency ensures that the Individual Service Plans maintain the required
components for an SRBWO as indicated by the Departments rules and regulations.
This rule was previously cited on 07-21-10, 12-10-09 and 12-03-08.
R 1209 290-2-5-.12(3)(a)1.(i) Health Services.
SS=C
Such [general physical] examination shall be done by a medical doctor, physician's assistant, or public health
department and shall include basic diagnostic laboratory work, including but not limited to a Complete Blood Count
(CBC) and basic urinanalysis;
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on review of resident files and staff interview, the agency failed to document a Complete
Blood Count (CBC) in five of fourteen files reviewed. In addition, the agency failed to document
that a basic urinanalysis (UA) was included in the physical examination in twelve of fourteen files
reviewed;
Findings Include:
(1) On September 1, 2010, a review of the records for Resident #1 admitted 01/2010, Resident #2
Page 13 of 23
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9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
admitted 06/2010, Resident #3 admitted 03/2010, Resident #8 admitted 09/2009, Resident #9
admitted 03/2010, Resident #11 admitted 04/2010, Resident #12 admitted 04/2010, and Resident
#13 admitted 01/2010, revealed that there was no documentation of a complete blood count
within one year previous to or 72 hours after admission to the facility.
(2) On September 1, 2010, a review of the records for Resident #1 admitted 01/2010, Resident #2
admitted 06/2010, Resident #3 admitted 03/2010, Resident #4 admitted 05/2010, Resident #5
admitted 02/2010, Resident #6 admitted 08/2010, Resident #7 admitted 03/2010, Resident #8
admitted 08/2010, Resident #9 admitted 04/2010, Resident #11 admitted 04/2010, Resident #12
admitted 04/2010, and Resident #14 admitted 01/2010 revealed that there was no documentation
of a urinalysis within one year previous to or 72 hours after admission to the facility.
(2) In an e-mail sent Thursday, September 30, 2010 4:25 PM, Staff DD was given the opportunity
to respond to this finding. In response Staff DD sent an e-mail on October 1, 2010 at 1:39 PM in
which Staff DD did not dispute the findings in this correspondence. However, Staff DD provided
further documentation of physical examinations provided for students after September 1, 2010.
This rule was previously cited on 12-10-09 and 12-03-08.
R 1211 290-2-5-.12(3)(a)2. Health Services.
SS=B
A general dental examination of the child shall be provided for unless such an examination has been completed
within six months prior to admission. Such examinations shall be done by either a dentist or a dental hygienist that
is employed by the departmen
Page 14 of 23
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9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on review of resident files and staff interview, the facility failed to document a dental exam
dated less than six months prior to admission or within thirty days after admission in four of
fourteen files reviewed;
Findings include:
On September 1, 2010, a review of the files for Resident #8 admitted 08/2010, Resident #10
admitted 07/2010, Resident #11 admitted 04/2010, Resident #12 admitted 04/2010, and Child #14
admitted 01/2010 revealed that there was no evidence of a dental examination within six months
prior to or thirty days after admission to the facility.
In an email sent Thursday, September 30, 2010 4:25 PM, Staff A was given the opportunity to
respond to this finding. In response Staff A sent an email on October 1, 2010 at 1:39 PM, Staff A
did not dispute the findings in this correspondence. However, Staff A provided further
documentation of physical examinations provided to students after September 1, 2010.
This rule was previously cited on 12/10/2009
R 1217 290-2-5-.12(3)(d)2.i. Health Services.
SS=D
[Medication use and management] policies and procedures shall include the following: ...
2.(i) Prescription medications shall only be given to a child as ordered in the child's prescription. An institution shall
not permit such medications prescribed for
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interviews, the agency failed to ensure that prescribed
medications for one child shall not be given to another child.
Page 15 of 23
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and Plan of Correction
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9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
Findings Include:
(1) Record review on September 1, 2010 agency Medication Administration Policy indicated that
when dispensing medication, the staff member will follow standard protocol in the distribution of
medication which includes asking the child his/her name, retrieve the med box, check MAR
(medication administration record) to identify the prescribed medication and student photo to
make sure the correct student is receiving the correct medication, the employee will ask the
student to identify the medication she/he is seeking, med will be placed in a cup and staff will
check the child ' s mouth to verify that the medication is swallowed, child will sign a sign sheet
to record the administration of the medication, and staff will sign the MAR. In addition in case of
medication errors and/or the administration of the wrong medication or wrong dosage ingested
the Department (Office of Residential Child Care) will be notified.
(2) On September 1, 2010, a review of the agency's incident report dated August 27, 2010 revealed
that Staff C inadvertently administered to Child #15 the medication Citolopram that was intended
for administration to another child. Citolopram was not prescribed for Child #15 by an authorized
by a health care professional.
(3) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 12:00 PM with Staff BB, Staff BB
acknowleged findings.
R 1219 290-2-5-.12(3)(d)3. Health Services.
SS=D
[Medication use and management] policies and procedures shall include the following: ...
3. Psychotropic medications. No child shall be given psychotropic medications unless use is in accordance with
the goals and objectives of the child's service plan. .
Page 16 of 23
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9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and interviews with staff, the facility failed to administer residents'
psychotropic medications in accordance with the goals and objectives of the child's service plan
in one of one incidents reviewed.
Findings:
(1) On September 1, 2010, a review of the agency's incident report dated August 27, 2010 revealed
that Staff C inadvertently administered to Child #15 the medication Citolopram that was intended
for administration to another child. A review of Resident #15's Individual Service Plan dated
August 2, 2010 at 9:37 AM revealed Resident #15's current medication was: Wellbutrin 150mg.
No other medications were listed on the individual service plan. The medication inadvertently
administered to Resident #15, Citolopram, is used to treat depression.
(2) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 12:00 PM with Staff BB, Staff BB
acknowleged findings.
When citing this tag one of the findings must include the RBWO plan and how it was
incorporated in the plan
R 1220 290-2-5-.12(3)(d)3.i. Health Services.
SS=D
[Medication use and management] policies and procedures shall include the following: ...
3.(i) Psychotropic medications must be prescribed by a physician who has responsibility for the diagnosis and
treatment of the child's conditions that necessitate suc
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and interviews with staff the facility failed to ensure that psychotropic
Page 17 of 23
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Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
medications must be prescribed by a physician who has responsibility for the diagnosis and
treatment of the child's conditions that necessitate such medication in one of one incidents
reviewed.
Findings:
(1) On September 1, 2010, a review of the agency's incident report dated August 27, 2010 revealed
that Staff C inadvertently administered to Child #15 the medication Citolopram that was intended
for administration to another child. The medication inadvertently administered to Child #15,
Citolopram, is used to treat depression.
(2) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 12:00 PM with Staff BB, Staff BB
acknowleged findings.
R 1221 290-2-5-.12(3)(d)3.ii. Health Services.
SS=D
[Medication use and management] policies and procedures shall include the following: ...
(ii) Psychotropic medication shall only be given to a child as ordered in the child's prescription. An institution shall
not permit such medications prescribed for on
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review, review of agency medication policy and staff interviews, the agency
failed to ensure medication was given to a child as ordered by the physician in one of one file
reviewed;
Findings:
Page 18 of 23
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and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
(1) Record review on September 1, 2010 agency Medication Administration Policy indicated that
when dispensing medication, the staff member will follow standard protocol in the distribution of
medication which includes asking the child his/her name, retrieve the med box, check MAR
(medication administration record) to identify the prescribed medication and student photo to
make sure the correct student is receiving the correct medication, the employee will ask the
student to identify the medication she/he is seeking, med will be placed in a cup and staff will
check the child ' s mouth to verify that the medication is swallowed, child will sign a sign sheet
to record the administration of the medication, and staff will sign the MAR. In addition in case of
medication errors and/or the administration of the wrong medication or wrong dosage ingested
the Department (Office of Residential Child Care) will be notified.
(2) On September 1, 2010, a review of the agency's incident report dated August 27, 2010
revealed that Staff C inadvertently administered to Child #15 the medication Citolopram that was
intended for administration to another child.
(3) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 12:00 PM with Staff BB, Staff BB
acknowleged findings.
R 1222 290-2-5-.12(3)(d)3.iii. Health Services.
SS=D
[Medication use and management] policies and procedures shall include the following:
(iii) The prescribing physician shall be notified in cases of dosage errors, drug reactions, or if the psychotropic
medication does not appear to be effective. ...
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Page 19 of 23
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9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
Based on record review and interviews with staff, the facility failed to notifying a child's
attending physician in cases of dosage errors, drug reactions, or if the prescription medication
does not appear to be effective to in 255 of 255 incidents reviewed
Findings:
(1) On September 1, 2010, a review of the agency's incident report dated August 27, 2010
revealed that Staff C inadvertently administered the Zyprexa, Benadryl, and of another child to
Child #15. The incident report reveals that Staff C notified Poison Control and the facility
"nurse." However, there is no documentation stating that the child's physician was notified. In
addition, on September 9, 2010 a review of Med Refusal Forms0 completed 1/12/10 through
8/28/10 revealed that there were more than 254 incidents of medication refusal. Furthermore,
there was no documentation stating that the resident's physician was notified of any of the
incidents.
(2) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at approximately 3:00 pm with Staff BB, Staff BB
stated that the resident's physicians were notified of these incidents. However, no evidence of
physician notification was produced. Staff BB stated that the notifications were made by
telephone and that there was "no way to document a phone call."
R 1416 290-2-5-.14(2)(a) Emergency Safety Interventions.
SS=D
Emergency Safety Interventions. Emergency safety interventions may be used only by staff trained in the proper
use of such interventions when a child exhibits a dangerous behavior reasonably expected to lead to immediate
physical harm to the child or othe
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on review of resident files and staff interview, the agency failed to ensure when an
emergency safety intervention (ESI) is utilized, staff is trained in the proper use of such
interventions in one of one file reviewed;
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and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
Findings include:
(1) Record review on September 9, 2010 of the agency's ESI log for the first quarter revealed that
Staff F was involved in the following ESI techniques: two person escort (03-06-10), one person
escort and a seated restraint (03-14-10).
(2) Record review on September 9, 2010 of the agency's ESI log for the second quarter revealed
Staff F was involved in the following ESI techniques: seated restraint (04-16-10), one person
escort (05-30-10), seated restraint (06-02-10), and one person escort (06-10-10). In addition record
review revealed that Staff G was involved in the following ESI techniques for the second quarter:
one person escort (04-11-10) and a
(3) Record review on September 9, 2010 of the agency's ESI log for the third quarter revealed
Staff F was involved in the following ESI techniques: seated restraint (07-23-10) while Staff G was
involved in a standing hold (07-26-10).
(4) Record review on September 9, 2010 of Staff F and G's file revealed that both staff received
training in Therapeutic aggression control techniques-2 (verbal certification only) from 04-28-10
to 04-30-10.
(5) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 2:35 pm with Staff DD, Staff DD indicated
that staff who receive Full certification of therapeutic aggression control techniques receive 2
days verbal and 1 day physical training in ESI techniques. Most staff who has received verbal
certification only may have an injury that would have prohibited the individual from engaging in
full certification in ESI techniques which involves the use of physical techniques.
R 1455 290-2-5-.14(2)(k) Emergency Safety Interventions.
SS=D
Institutions shall submit to the Department electronically or by facsimile a report, in a format acceptable to the
Department, within 24 hours whenever an unusual incident occurs regarding emergency safety interventions,
including:
1. Any injury requiri
Page 21 of 23
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and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
This Requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on record review and staff interview, the agency failed to submit to the Department within
24 hours in which three or more instances of emergency safety interventions of a specific child
occurred and/or whenever the institution has had a total of 10 emergency safety interventions
(ESIs) for all children in care within the 30-day period;
Findings include:
(1) Record review on September 9, 2010 of the agency's ESI log for the first quarter of 2010
revealed that the agency initiated 11 ESI containments in which 6 containments were assisted
relocation/escorts and 5 involved hands on restraints. Further review revealed that Resident #18
had three or more instances of ESIs (01-08-10, 01-13-10, 01-25-10, and 01-27-10) within a 30 day
period. Furthermore a review of the ESI log for the second quarter of 2010 revealed that the
agency initiated 14 ESI containments in which 9 containments were assisted relocation/escorts
and 5 involved hands on restraints. The Department has not received any reports from the
agency for the month of January-March 2010 and April-June 2010 regarding emergency safety
interventions.
(2) During an interview on September 9, 2010 at about 2:35 pm with Staff DD, Staff DD
acknowledged findings.
Page 22 of 23
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Statement of Deficiencies
and Plan of Correction
Inspection begin date
Inspection end date:
9/1/2010
9/9/2010
Name of Provider or Supplier
RIDGE CREEK, INC
Street Address, City, State Zip Code
830 HIDDEN LAKE RD
DAHLONEGA, GA 30533
Inspection Results
As of: Saturday, October 30, 2010
R 9999 Closing Comments.
A brief exit conference was conducted on September 9, 2010. The investigation was completed
on September 23, 2010. There were several citations related to the allegations. A preliminary
report was e-mailed to the agency on September 24, 2010. Although a formal written plan of
correction is not due to the surveyor until 10 days after receipt of the final Statement of
Deficiencies, all citations are expected to immediately be brought into compliance with the Rules
and Regulations.
The investigation was completed on October 1, 2010. The Final Statement of Deficiency was
e-mailed to the agency on October 28, 2010. A plan of correction is due to the surveyor November
15, 2010. An office conference will be scheduled to address the agency's ongoing
noncompliance.
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