On 2006-04-05 19:23:00, Eudora wrote:
"
V. Recommemendations
Based on our investigation, PP&A recommends that DPW, as the relevant licensing agency, take the following steps:
1. Prohibit SummitQuest from using prone restraints and any and all coercive techniques.
2. Require SummitQuest to adopt a sanctuary (i.e., non-physical) model of treatment.
3. Require SummitQuest to secure recommendations from an expert (e.g., Gordon Hodas) concerning how to provide trauma-informed care and proven and effective de-escalation techniques and to immediately implement such recommendations and to provide training to SummitQuest staff to enable them to implement the recommended care and intervention strategies.
4. Require SummitQuest to discontinue its use of a point/level system and to replace that system with strength-based individualized positive behavior plans for each resident.
5. Have an independent child psychiatrist evaluate each SummitQuest resident to determine whether SummitQuest is appropriate to meet his needs and, if not, to identify what services and supports the youngster needs.
6. Develop an appropriate discharge plan for those SummitQuest residents who (a) are determined not to need the level of care provided by SummitQuest, or (b) desire an alternative placement and whose placement at SummitQuest is not court-ordered. The discharge planning process should include families, counties, and independent advocates.
7. Establish a plan to decrease the census at SummitQuest within two years.
8. Establish a Youth and Family Advisory Board at SummitQuest to present concerns, make recommendations for change and growth, and monitor progress and restraint data. The Youth representatives should be chosen by their peers.
9. Increase SummitQuest�s residents� opportunities to access the world outside the facility, including a greater array of engaging and relevant leisure activities.
10. Require SummitQuest to prominently post information about rights and advocacy in all buildings, including all living units and schools.
11. Contract with an external independent advocate/s of at least one FTE to provide on-site advocacy and contact with youth, participation in discharge planning, monitoring for rights violations, compliance with training requirements, review of restraint data, etc.
12. Appoint a �master� to oversee the facility�s implementation of corrective action plans.
13. Maintain ban on admissions until implementation of recommendations as listed above.
March 22, 2006
sounds like the investigation got to the core of the problem. in a perfect world #'s 1, 2, and 4 would be law for every program in the US/world. at least PA is on the right track.
im geussing theres no way SummitQuest will be able or willing to comply, and will lose state funding and shut down eventually. it might take another investigation or two but sooner or later this one will be toast. :wave:
[ This Message was edited by: Sentinel on 2006-04-06 19:12 ]