Report on Group Home Incidents
And Monitoring Deficiencies
Presented by the
Governor’s Office for Children
On Behalf of the
Children’s Cabinet
July 15, 2006
ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR.
Governor
MICHAEL S. STEELE
Lieutenant Governor
Pursuant to 2006 JCR Page 232-233
SB 110/Ch. 216, Sec. 45, 2006
ARLENE F. LEE
Executive Director
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................2
BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................3
DEFINITIONS .......................................................................................................5
CURRENT PRACTICE .........................................................................................5
I. Monitoring Deficiencies ..................................................................................5
II. Incident Reporting .........................................................................................7
III. Police Reports Involving Group Homes........................................................8
IV. Hotline Calls.................................................................................................9
ACTION PLAN ....................................................................................................10
Monitoring Deficiencies ...................................................................................10
Incident Reporting ...........................................................................................10
Police Reports .................................................................................................10
Hotline Calls ....................................................................................................11
Quarterly Reporting.........................................................................................11
Action Steps ....................................................................................................11
APPENDIX A ......................................................................................................13
APPENDIX B ......................................................................................................17
APPENDIX C ......................................................................................................21
Copies of this report may be obtained on www.goc.state.md.us or by calling 410767-4160.
1
INTRODUCTION
The Joint Chairman’s Report of 2006 required a report from the child-serving
agencies on incidents and deficiencies at group homes and the feasibility of
collecting local police reports concerning group homes. Specifically the Joint
Chairman’s Report stated:
“That $100,000 of the general fund appropriation for M00A01.01 – Executive
Direction, and $100,000 of the general fund appropriation for N00A01.01 – Office
of the Secretary, and $100,000 of the general fund appropriation for V00D01.01
– Office of the Secretary may not be expended until:
(1) the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), the Department of
Human Resources (DHR), and the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS)
submit a report to the budget committees beginning July 15, 2006, listing
by provider, the number of incidents and deficiencies noted by licensed
child residential group home licensing monitors in the previous three
months. This report should be submitted quarterly thereafter; and
(2) DHMH, DHR, and DJS report back to the budget committees on the
feasibility of establishing a procedure for the collection of local police
incident reports concerning incidents involving licensed child residential
group homes. The budget committees shall have 45 days to review and
comment on the report.”
This report is intended to respond to that requirement. While not providing
specific data on the incidents, monitoring deficiencies and police reports, this
report will serve as a mechanism to begin to clarify and define those terms as
well as to identify the process of to standardizing, for reporting purposes, the
collection, aggregation and analysis of said data. The report has been prepared
by the Resource Development and Licensing Committee (RDLC), a
subcommittee of the Children’s Cabinet.
The development of a uniform system to collect and analyze incidents and
deficiencies identified in the monitoring of group homes is the next step in
Governor Ehrlich’s group home reform efforts. In the past six months, the three
agencies responsible for licensing, monitoring and placing children in group
home settings have been directed to establish uniform systems to ensure the
consistent quality of care for children in the custody of the State of Maryland. To
date, these reforms have included:
1. Expanding out-of-home placement capacity in underserved areas of
the State through a ground-breaking State Resource Plan and
incentive fund;
2. Reorganizing the DHR Licensing and Monitoring unit to improve
capabilities and ensure separation from programs and services;
2
3. Launching a toll-free group home hotline for community complaints
and concerns;
4. Launching an On-line Resource Directory that lists all group homes in
the state;
5. Signing into law new measures for board responsibilities and a
resource plan to guide development of new programs;
6. Increasing Licensing and Monitoring Staffing in DHR and DJS;
7. Establishing a uniform licensing tool that each agency will use to
ensure reliability in the licensure of programs; and
8. Establishing a uniform monitoring tool that each agency has
implemented to ensure coherent monitoring standards.
The development of a new uniform incident and deficiency reporting system is
the next step in these reforms. This report outlines the action steps for a
reporting process that will result in a comprehensive picture of the monitoring
results of Residential Child Care Facilities by October 2006. The report examines
the differences between the agency systems and the areas identified for
improvements, standardization and consistency. In addition, the report
establishes the action steps to achieve this next phase in the group home reform
efforts and summarizes the work to date.
BACKGROUND
As of January 1, 2006, there were 2,533 children in Residential Child Care
Facilities (commonly referred to as group homes). 1 DHR/Social Services
Administration (SSA) placed 79%, DJS 18% and DHMH (Development
Disabilities Administration [DDA] and the Mental Hygiene Administration [MHA]
combined) placed 3% of the children in group homes. 2 As of March 2006, there
were 370 group homes in Maryland. Fifty-four percent of the homes were
licensed by DHR, 41% were licensed by DHMH (DDA 3 and MHA combined) and
5% were licensed by DJS. 4
In order to ensure the safety and well being of children, licensing agencies are
required to conduct periodic monitoring surveys of each group home. All of the
licensing agencies monitor group homes using the “Core Regulations,” (Code of
Maryland Regulations 14.31.05 and 14.31.06). Each agency also has additional
regulations for monitoring programs that serve special populations. In addition to
group home monitors, the Department of Social Services (DSS) and DJS
1
The Interagency Rates Committee sets rates for 273 Residential Child Care Programs. Many programs
operate multiple facilities, which accounts for the figure quoted here.
2
Preliminary State Resource Plan, May 2006.
3
It is important to note that while DDA currently licenses certain facilities those facilities are used by
other placement agencies.
4
Revised SB 711 Child Welfare Services Out-of-Home Placement Report, January 1, 2006.
3
caseworkers visit children in placement at least monthly to assure appropriate
services and standards of care are being provided. Providers are required to
develop a plan of correction for every deficiency noted during a survey. Many
deficiencies are minor and can be corrected immediately; others require formal
written plans for correction that need to be implemented over a period of time.
Occasionally, there are deficiencies that are more serious and require sanctions
against the provider until corrections have been made. When circumstances
seriously affect health and safety, children may be removed from the home.
Every provider is required by COMAR, licensing agency policy, and/or
contractual agreement to report many types of “incidents” that occur with children
in their program. The types of incidents considered to be “reportable” vary
somewhat among the licensing agencies, but generally cover situations of
suspected abuse and/or neglect, illness or injury, elopement, situations that
require law enforcement intervention and/or death of a child. Some types of
incidents require immediate notification of the licensing agency and others
require written reports to be submitted within a day or two. Each agency has a
system to review and triage incident reports to determine the level of
investigation and/or intervention needed. For instance, it is important to note that
when a child has ‘eloped’ from a DJS placement for more than two hours a police
report is filed. Further, standard practice by law enforcement is to respond
immediately to those elopement reports. This is in contrast to the 24 hour
‘runaway’ rule for children residing with their parents.
Incidents that require immediate police intervention such as elopement and
serious assaults or other crimes committed by children in the group home are
covered by regulations which mandate that providers notify police if a child is
absent without permission for more than two hours. It should be noted, however,
that running away, except from a place of confinement, is not a crime. Currently
there is no mechanism for the collection of police reports involving group homes
across the state, although the local police department has taken it upon itself to
send reports involving group homes to DHR’s Office of Licensing and Monitoring
(OLM). DHR then forwards reports to DJS or DHMH Office of Health Care
Quality (OHCQ) if the home in question is licensed by one of those agencies.
DHR reports that of five calls in April 2006 about DHR licensed group homes,
four of them were AWOL reports. The Baltimore County police near
Randallstown have also indicated to DHR that often group homes call them
inappropriately. They once received a call from a group home worker because a
youth refused to take her medication. In addition to ensuring that incidents
involving law enforcement are investigated and resolved, there needs to be clear
definitions of what constitutes the need for their intervention.
4
DEFINITIONS
The “Core Regulations” under COMAR have standardized certain definitions
and terms with respect to group homes and the monitoring of these programs
by the agencies. The following represents those terms which are uniformly
utilized by all child-serving agencies:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
“Group home” is defined under COMAR 14.31.05.03. to mean a facility
owned, leased, or operated by a licensee that provides: (a) Residential
services for youths such as care, diagnosis, training, education, and
rehabilitation; and (b) A group living experience.
“Corrective Action Plan” means a program’s detailed remedy to correct
deficiencies.
“Deficiency” means any non-compliance with State licensing
regulations or other legal requirements identified by the licensing
agency or other State or federal agency.
"Isolated scope" means that the identified deficiency has occurred only
once, in only one location, or for only one individual.
"Low scope" means that the deficiency has occurred only occasionally,
in sporadic locations, or for only a few individuals.
"Repeated scope" means that the deficiency has occurred on a regular
basis, in several locations, or for several individuals.
"Widespread scope" means that the deficiency has occurred
consistently, in most locations, or for a majority of people.
"Minor impact" means there has been little or no negative effect on an
individual's health, safety, rights, or quality of life.
"Moderate impact" means an individual has experienced a significant
health or safety consequence, a violation of rights, or infringement on
quality of life, or that these consequences may likely occur in the near
future.
"Severe impact" means an individual has experienced a deterioration
in the individual's medical or psychological condition, has been
exposed to a serious safety risk, has experienced frequent rights
violations, or infringements on the individual's quality of life, or that
these consequences may likely occur in the near future.
CURRENT PRACTICE
I. Monitoring Deficiencies
Uniform monitoring protocols were recently established by the RDLC and the
child-serving agencies to ensure standardized practices regardless of the
licensing agency. Therefore, the monitoring protocols for each Residential Child
5
Care Facility monitor of each agency are the same. In addition, each agency’s
monitoring practices are outlined below:
Department of Human Resources (DHR)
Programs licensed by DHR are monitored by the Office of Licensing and
Monitoring (OLM). DHR licensed programs are surveyed using the Core
Regulations and COMAR 14.31.07 for programs with special populations. DHR
is in the development stages of a database for the collection of information on
monitoring activities. Currently, reports of each survey are generated by the
OLM monitor based on findings of each survey. Reports are maintained in the
file the department keeps on each program. Deficiencies are categorized by
degree of potential harm to youth placed in the program including minor/minimal
risk, major risk of actual harm, serious/immediate jeopardy, and physical site
violations. Corrective actions are required for every deficiency and sanctions are
imposed when deficiencies are deemed to constitute serious or immediate
jeopardy to the health and safety of children placed on the program. Finally,
DHR’s efforts to automate this process are under development due to two
specific issues. First, automation of this information was not previously required
by law or regulation, and the lack of a database did not impede the effective
monitoring of programs for child safety. DHR has maintained child safety for the
largest number of children placed in the greatest percentage of licensed facilities.
Department of Juvenile Services (DJS)
Programs licensed by DJS, as well as those licensed by other agencies but
accept youth from DJS for placement, are monitored by the licensing monitoring
staff within the Office of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (OPRA).
These programs are surveyed quarterly using the Core Regulations and
additional regulations in COMAR 14.31.07 for programs with special populations.
DJS has a database prepared in Excel. Reports of each survey are generated
by the monitor based on findings of each survey. Reports are maintained in the
file the department keeps on each program. Deficiency follow-up letters are
prepared and forwarded from OPRA to DJS for secure and licensed facility
administrators for corrective action to be taken within a prescribed time period.
Corrective actions are required for every deficiency and sanctions are imposed
when deficiencies are deemed to constitute serious or immediate jeopardy to the
health and safety of children placed on the program.
For DJS an incident is distinguished from a deficiency in that the DJS monitor will
match a deficiency to COMAR citation and require corrective action within a
prescribed timeline as determined through a life, health, or safety issue. The DJS
Investigations Unit, working in conjunction with the Maryland State Police, Child
Protective Services, and the local jurisdictions, records infractions as incidents
referenced in DJS’ policy and procedures in conjunction with the Maryland
statutes. When group homes experience serious incidents reported to DJS
6
investigators, and when warranted, the DJS monitor of the program will be
immediately notified for a follow-up report to be conducted. The DJS monitor
determines that compliance is within acceptable limitations when it meets the
regulations and the contract requirements. The number of incidents does not
impact the fact that the program is in compliance unless there is a failure on the
part of the program which contributed to the incident.
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH)
Programs licensed by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and
therapeutic group homes, which are licensed by the Mental Hygiene
Administration (MHA), are monitored by the Office of Health Care Quality
(OHCQ). DDA licensed homes are surveyed 5 using the Core Regulations and
COMAR 14.31.07.08. DDA also has its own regulations, which can be found in
COMAR 10.22.01. Surveys address the overall global functioning of the program,
as well as site and individual specific findings. Therapeutic Group Homes are
surveyed using the Core Regulations and COMAR 14.31.07.12. Findings from
surveys of DDA group homes are: (a) entered into OHCQ’s “ASPEN data system
from which reports are generated; (b) categorized according to impact and scope
(See definitions # 3-9 on page 4); and (c) corrective action plans are required for
every deficiency, and sanctions may be imposed depending on the severity and
scope of the deficiencies.
Sharing of Information
Information regarding monitoring activities is shared among the licensing
agencies both formally and informally. Because children from any agency may
be placed in a program licensed by another agency, information may be shared
informally about problems a provider may be experiencing. DDA licensed
providers are required to notify DDA if they accept a child for placement from
another agency, MHA licensed therapeutic group homes are required to notify
the local Core Service Agencies if children from other agencies are accepted into
the program. Formal notices of sanctions against a provider are sent to all
licensing agencies and the Governor’s Office for Children (GOC). There is
currently no mechanism for the routine dissemination of monitoring reports to the
general public.
II. Incident Reporting
Under COMAR the providers are required to notify the placing agency by the
next morning of any incident that that could be deemed dangerous or require the
removal of a child. Providers are also required to notify the placing agency and
5
DHMH refers to program monitoring as “surveying” and to monitors as “surveyors.”
7
the licensing agency within 48 hours of any injury to or hospitalization of a child
under their care. Other critical incidents, such as those involving the fire or police
departments, must be reported to the licensing agency within 48 hours and to the
placing agency as well if a child is involved.
Department of Human Resources (DHR)
DHR uses the COMAR regulations cited above as the basis for incident
reporting. Incident reports are approved by the licensing coordinator for use.
Standardization of an incident reporting form is in process. Each individual report
is investigated by the licensing coordinator assigned to the program.
Investigation reports are currently kept in individual provider’s files in OLM. DHR
is currently in the development stages of a database to track incidents in DHR
programs and to track those incidents effecting DHR youth placed in programs
licensed by other agencies.
Department of Juvenile Services (DJS)
DJS has a comprehensive policy on incident reporting that includes situations
that must be reported immediately via a pager system. There is a standardized
reporting form. Incidents are investigated by the Investigations and Child
Advocacy Unit within OPRA. DJS has an Incident Database that is used to
collect information and track information on reportable incidents.
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH)
The DDA has a comprehensive policy on incident reporting that includes two
levels: incidents that may be investigated internally by the provider and those
which are designated as “reportable.” OHCQ is developing a comprehensive
prioritization system for reportable incidents as established under House Bill 651
of the 2005 General Assembly Session. There are standardized forms for
internally investigated incidents and reportable incidents. Incidents that are
designated as reportable are reviewed, triaged and investigated, as necessary,
by OHCQ. Information regarding reportable incidents is entered into the Aspen
database. The policy for therapeutic group homes is a joint review of incidents by
the CSA, MHA and OHCQ.
Sharing of Information
While there is no formal mechanism for sharing information among the licensing
agencies or with GOC, licensing agencies routinely share information regarding
incidents that result in sanctions against other providers.
III. Police Reports Involving Group Homes
8
Except for a local Police Department in Baltimore County, which has voluntarily
decided to submit reports involving group homes to DHR, there is no procedure
for the collection of such reports in all localities. Occasionally DHR and DHMH
will receive reports from a local jurisdiction. In those cases, reports on licensed
group homes are forwarded to the appropriate licensing agency. DHR has
implemented a review process whereby the police reports are checked against
incident reports from the provider. For state agencies to obtain police reports for
group homes within a jurisdiction, the following two options will be explored:
Option #1
The first proposed option would require that a Memo of Understanding (MOU)
from each state agency (DHR, DHMH, & DJS) be developed with each law
enforcement jurisdiction for which data would be requested. Additionally, a
liaison/contact person would need to be identified in each jurisdiction and one
contact person representing all three state agencies (DHR, DHMH, DJS) be
identified and delegated responsibility to coordinate the request and control the
inventory and distribution of these reports as required statewide. To obtain these
reports, identification of these group homes by address and zip code would be
necessary to be correlated with each law enforcement jurisdiction. To obtain this
information, it is recommended that the state authorize a selected coordinator to
subscribe to a web based search program entitled “Melissa Data.” This web site
will identify county jurisdictional boundaries by address and zip code to locate the
law enforcement agency responsible for reporting these incidents.
Option #2
A second option includes identifying someone from each of the three agencies to
be responsible for obtaining their individual police reports from the jurisdictions.
Once the reports are obtained and distributed for in-house purposes (court,
licensing files, etc.), a copy of the report would then be forwarded to the
Governor’s Office for Children (GOC) for maintenance. The maintenance of a
central repository will provide each agency with ready access to the reports as
well as enhance the sharing of information on each licensed group home.
IV. Hotline Calls
In February 2006, the state initiated a toll free hotline for the public to report
concerns about specific homes they believe to be group homes. Callers with
complaints about verified group homes are transferred to the licensing
coordinator for that program. GOC receives a call sheet for every call and
maintains a spreadsheet of the calls. Each agency is responsible for reporting
the resolution of each complaint to GOC.
9
ACTION PLAN
Monitoring Deficiencies
The Children’s Cabinet has approved a uniform monitoring tool that will be used
by the four licensing agencies for monitoring surveys of all residential childcare
facilities, beginning immediately. The four licensing agencies will work together
to collect, analyze and report information on programs that have monitoring
deficiencies. For the purposes of reporting to the General Assembly, on a
quarterly basis the RDLC will provide information on programs that have
deficiencies that cause harm or have the potential to cause harm to children or
the community. By October 2006, the four licensing agencies will work together
through RDLC to develop common criteria for deficiencies that cause harm or
have the potential to cause harm to children or the community. The agencies will
also develop a routine system for sharing information.
Incident Reporting
The four licensing agencies will work together to collect, analyze and report
information incidents. For the purposes of reporting to the General Assembly, on
a quarterly basis the licensing agencies will provide information on programs that
report incidents that cause harm or have the potential to cause harm to children
or the community. By October 2006, the four licensing agencies will work
together through RDLC to develop common criteria for incidents that cause harm
or have the potential to cause harm to children or the community. The agencies
will also develop a routine system for sharing information.
Police Reports
At this time it is not known how many local police departments would be
required to provide information. While none of licensing agencies has the
authority to require police departments to provide their reports on calls about
group homes, two options will be explored.
• The first proposed option would require that a Memo of Understanding
(MOU) from each state agency (DHR, DHMH, & DJS) be developed with
each law enforcement jurisdiction for which data would be requested.
• A second option includes identifying someone from each of the three
agencies to be responsible for obtaining their individual police reports from
the jurisdictions.
Further, providers are required to report incidents involving law enforcement
agencies to their licensing agency. More analysis is needed to determine the
feasibility of establishing a procedure for the collection of police reports regarding
group homes in every locality where homes are located. It is recommended that
local police department be encouraged to submit reports of incidents to which
10
they responded at licensed group homes to the respective licensing agencies.
By the end of the year, these options will be considered along with other potential
strategies to determine the best course of action to establish procedures for
police reports.
Hotline Calls
The licensing agencies will adopt a common form for reporting resolution of
complaints to GOC, by October 2006. The four licensing agencies will work
together to collect, analyze and report complaints received by the hotline to be
reviewed on a monthly basis at the RDLC meetings.
Quarterly Reporting
Beginning October 15, 2006, the Children’s Cabinet will submit to the General
Assembly a listing by provider indicating:
•
•
•
•
Monitoring deficiencies in the previous three months which caused harm
or had the potential to cause harm to a child or the community;
Incidents in the previous three months that caused harm or had the
potential to cause harm to a child or the community;
Incidents in the previous three months that required law enforcement
intervention to the extent that the report has been provided to the licensing
agency; and
Available police reports involving group homes in the previous three
months to the extent that the reports have been provided to the licensing
agency.
Action Steps
1. Monitoring Deficiencies: By October 2006, establish uniform standards,
then collect, analyze and report information on program deficiencies.
2. Incident Report: By October 2006, establish uniform standards, then
collect, analyze and report information on program incidents.
3. Police Reports: By December 2006, explore options for establishing police
reporting procedures.
4. Hotline Calls: The agencies will continue to collect, analyze and report
complaints received by the hotline to be reviewed on a monthly basis at
the RDLC meetings.
11
5. Quarterly Report: Beginning October 2006, comprehensive quarterly
reports will be submitted each quarter.
12
APPENDIX A
Hotline Calls Spreadsheet
13
Group Home Hotline Calls
DATE
COUNTY
ZIP
CODE
2/10/2006
N/A
N/A
other
N/A
N
N/A
2/10/2006
21208
N
N/A
21785
N/A
N
N/A
none
information given
2/10/2006
unknown
unknown
N/A
N
N/A
DHR licensing
unknown
2/10/2006
Baltimore Co
21217
N/A
N
N/A
none
none
2/10/2006
Calvert
20754
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
2/10/2006
Montgomery
20874
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
2/10/2006
Baltimore Co
Prince
George's
Prince
George's
21207
other
inquiry, no
complaint
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
N/A
2/10/2006
Baltimore Co
Prince
George's
unknown
Baltimore Co.
DSS
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
N
N/A
Deb Cooper
unknown
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
2/10/2006
2/15/2006
2/15/2006
20712
20721
TYPE OF
COMPLAINT
GROUP
HOME (Y/N)
LICENSING
AGENCY
TRANSFERRED
TO
unknown
RESOLUTION
unknown
2/21/2006
Frederick
Prince
George's
20735
2/22/2006
unknown
unknown
other
N/A
N
N/A
none
information given
2/22/2006
Charles
20646
alleged abuse
Y, Structures
DHR
Steve Plakitsis
2/22/2006
Baltimore Co
Prince
George's
Prince
George's
Prince
George's
21204
complaint
inquiry, no
complaint
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
N/A
N
N/A
none
resolved 2/28/06
advised to call law
enforment
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
unsupervised
children
children being
given alcohol
by PA
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
Y, Trimir
DHR
Hassan Amin
resolved
Y, Dream
Keepers
DHR
Bernadette
Barmore
resolved 3/3/06
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
N
N/A
unsuccessful
none
2/27/2006
2/28/2006
2/28/2006
3/2/2006
21701
REASON FOR
CALL
20747
20607
complaint
3/6/2006
Baltimore Co
Prince
George's
Prince
George's
3/6/2006
Baltimore Co
21030
complaint
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
N/A
N
N/A
unsuccessful
none
3/8/2006
unknown
other
N/A
N
N/A
hangup
none
3/8/2006
unknown
Prince
George's
20783
other
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
voicemail
3/8/2006
Montgomery
20850
complaint
N/A
poor
supervision
N/A
caller refused
none
3/9/2006
Montgomery
20003
N/A
DHR
Darlene Hamm
information given
3/9/2006
Baltimore Co
Baltimore
City
Baltimore
City
Baltimore
City
Baltimore
City
Baltimore
City
Washington
Co
21229
other
how to start a
group home
N
Y,Community
Connections
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
3/3/2006
3/10/2006
3/13/2006
3/13/2006
3/16/2006
3/20/2006
3/21/2006
21228
20735
20735
21212
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
21202
other
how to start a
group home
inquiry, no
complaint
N/A
Y, CIS&H
DDA
none
information given
21202
other
N/A
Y, NCIA
DHR
Hassan Amin
resolved
21207
other
N/A
N/A
complaint
poor manager
hangup
Bernadette
Barmore
none
21722
N
Y, Oak Hill
House
21202
DHR
resolved 3/28/06
14
Group Home Hotline Calls
DATE
3/22/2006
3/24/2006
3/24/2006
3/24/2006
COUNTY
Washington
Co
Baltimore Co
Baltimore
City
ZIP
CODE
REASON FOR
CALL
TYPE OF
COMPLAINT
21722
complaint
how to start a
group home
inquiry, no
complaint
other
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
21133
21208
3/27/2006
Baltimore Co
Prince
George's
20720
4/10/2006
unknown
unknown
4/17/2006
Baltimore Co
21133
4/17/2006
21208
4/20/2006
Baltimore Co
Prince
George's
Baltimore
City
Prince
George's
4/20/2006
4/21/2006
4/17/2006
21215
DHR
TRANSFERRED
TO
Bernadette
Barmore
resolved 3/28/06
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
none
N
N/A
none
none
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
property
destruction
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
N
N/A
none
unsuccessful transfer
advised to call law
enforment
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
N
N/A
none
information given
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
multiple
complaints
N
Y, REMMaryland
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
DDA
Deborah Kelly
unknown
N
N/A
none
information given
RESOLUTION
20743
other
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
Howard
21045
complaint
21212
20743
other
how to start a
group home
N/A
4/25/2006
Baltimore Co
Prince
George's
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
4/25/2006
Anne Arundel
21401
other
Y, Lifeline
DDA
none
4/26/2006
Baltimore Co
21208
complaint
N/A
too many in
the area
N
N/A
none
none
referred to elected
officials
4/26/2006
Howard
Prince
George's
21046
complaint
level of care
Y, Mosaic
OHCQ
Donna Wells
unknown
unknown
other
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
inquiry, no
complaint
N/A
N
N/A
none
N/A
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
N/A
N
N/A
none
information given
advised to call law
enforment
N/A
N
N/A
OHCQ
unknown
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
poor
supervision
poor
supervision
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
N
N/A
none
N
N/A
none
information given
advised to call law
enforment
advised to call law
enforment
N/A
N/A
DDA
Shelley Tinney
Sharon ??? at
DDA
none
N
Y, REMMaryland
Y, Franklin
Group Home
DHR
none
unknown
caller did not wish to
be transferred
N?
multiple
complaints
N
Y, Diamond
Life
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
DHR
resolved 5/5/06
N/A
trash, weeds,
stolen car
N
DHR
Vanessa Brown
Baltimore Co.
DSS
Y, Self Pride
DHR
Steve Plakitsis
resolved 5/11/06
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
4/20/2006
4/28/2006
4/28/2006
4/28/2006
4/28/2006
5/1/2006
Charles
Prince
George's
Prince
George's
20781
complaint
how to start a
group home
LICENSING
AGENCY
poor manager
GROUP
HOME (Y/N)
Y, Oak Hill
House
21239
20601
20720
20783
5/1/2006
West Virginia
Baltimore
City
21216
5/1/2006
Baltimore Co
21221
other
how to start a
group home
how to start a
group home
5/2/2006
Baltimore Co.
21204
complaint
5/2/2006
Baltimore Co
21133
5/2/2006
Anne Arundel
unknown
complaint
inquiry, no
complaint
5/2/2006
21045
5/9/2006
Howard
Baltimore
City
Baltimore
City
Baltimore
City
Baltimore
City
Baltimore
City
5/11/2006
unknown
unknown
5/3/2006
5/3/2006
5/5/2006
5/9/2006
26501
21207
complaint
inquiry, no
complaint
how to start a
group home
21218
complaint
21239
other
21206
complaint
how to start a
group home
21206
alleged abuse
resolved 5/5/06
unknown
15
Group Home Hotline Calls
DATE
5/11/2006
COUNTY
Prince
George's
ZIP
CODE
20747
REASON FOR
CALL
how to start a
group home
inquiry, no
complaint
TYPE OF
COMPLAINT
GROUP
HOME (Y/N)
LICENSING
AGENCY
TRANSFERRED
TO
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
N/A
N
N/A
none
information given
advised to call law
enforment
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
advised to call DHR
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
unknown
unknown
none
none
DHR
Steve Plakitsis
resolved 5/29/06
RESOLUTION
5/15/2006
Baltimore Co
21117
5/17/2006
Anne Arundel
21401
5/17/2006
unknown
unknown
5/17/2006
unknown
unknown
other
how to start a
group home
inquiry, no
complaint
5/18/2006
21221
complaint
5/19/2006
Baltimore Co
Prince
George's
N/A
multiple
complaints
20772
other
unknown
Y, CHEO
Y, Mansion at
Focus Point
DHR
Steve Plakitsis
resolved 5/19/06
5/22/2006
unknown
unknown
other
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
5/22/2006
unknown
Prince
George's
Prince
George's
unknown
other
N/A
N
N/A
LDSS
unknown
20707
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
21401
N/A
N
N/A
none
21212
other
N/A
N
N/A
none
information given
caller did not wish to
be transferred
caller did not wish to
be transferred
5/25/2006
Anne Arundel
Baltimore
City
Prince
George's
other
how to start a
group home
inquiry, no
complaint
20748
other
N/A
N
N/A
Shelley Tinney
information given
5/31/2006
Baltimore Co
21208
complaint
unknown
unknown
OHCQ
Deborah Kelly
5/31/2006
Baltimore Co
Prince
George's
21208
complaint
N
N/A
none
20737
complaint
unknown
underage
drinking
unknown
advised to call law
enforment
Y, B&B
DHR
Monica Harris
unknown
5/23/2006
5/23/2006
5/24/2006
5/25/2006
5/31/2006
20774
16
APPENDIX B
DHR and Baltimore County Police Department-Randallstown Precinct
Reporting Procedure
17
Memorandum
To:
Shelley Tinney
CC:
Floyd Blair, Tammy Bresnahan
From:
Carmen Amyot Brown
Date:
7/19/2006
Re:
Randallstown Reporting Procedure
The Baltimore County Police Department-Randallstown precinct contacted
Carmen Brown, Executive Director, Office of Licensing and Monitoring to
discuss issues related to group homes in their jurisdiction and to develop a
procedure in sharing that information. From the meeting the following was
developed and has been in place since April 3, 2006.
Please find the following as the process developed between Randallstown Police
Department and the Office of Licensing and Monitoring (OLM) in regards to police
report sharing:
•
Randallstown Police responds to a call regarding an address identified
to be a group home.
o The responding officer verifies that the address is, in fact, a
group home by requesting to see the group home license.
o The responding officer identifies the youth involved in the
incident by name and date of birth.
o
The responding officer takes all information pertaining to
incident and completes report. (As of April, 2006 each
response by a police officer to a group home location is
documented by a police report, regardless of the type of
incident)
o
All police reports are forwarded weekly, or as appropriate,
pertaining to group homes in their jurisdiction.
o
All reports, pertaining to DHR licensed facilities are tracked
through OLM.
ƒ
o
All reports pertaining to non-DHR licensed facilities are
forwarded to the appropriate agency personnel.
Reports are forwarded to the respective licensing coordinator
overseeing the group home involved in the report.
18
o
Licensing coordinators respond to the police report in the
manner appropriate based on the type of report. Many reports
forwarded by the Police Department are related to incidents
that are not “illegal” or in question, but are required by COMAR
to be reported to the local Police Department (for instance
absent without permission). Please note: These reports are a
result of incidents that have occurred 1-3 weeks prior to DHR
receiving them.
ƒ
Absent without permission-Licensing coordinator
reviews the police report and crosschecks to ensure
that a corresponding incident report was submitted by
the group home for the incident on the same date.
ƒ
Emergency Psychiatric Evaluation-Licensing
coordinator reviews the police report and crosschecks
to ensure that a corresponding incident report was
submitted by the group home for the incident on the
same date.
ƒ
Disturbance-Licensing coordinator reviews the police
report and determines the nature and scope of the
information included in the report. If a pattern of youth
or staff behavior is noted, the licensing coordinator
responds by contacting the group home to further
investigate. When necessary, an emergency visit is
conducted to review policy and procedures as well as
staff training and youth files.
ƒ
Property Destruction-Licensing coordinator reviews the
police report and determines the nature and scope of
the information included in the report. Licensing
coordinator reviews the police report and crosschecks
to ensure that a corresponding incident report was
submitted by the group home for the incident on the
same date. If a pattern of youth or staff behavior is
noted, the licensing coordinator responds by contacting
the group home to further investigate. When necessary,
an emergency visit is conducted to review policy and
procedures as well as staff training and youth files.
ƒ
Assaults-Licensing coordinator reviews the police
report and determines the nature and scope of the
information included in the report. Licensing
coordinator reviews the police report and crosschecks
to ensure that a corresponding incident report was
submitted by the group home for the incident on the
same date. If a pattern of youth or staff behavior is
19
noted, the licensing coordinator either responds by
contacting the group home to further investigate, or, if
more appropriate, an emergency visit is conducted to
review policy and procedures as well as staff training
and youth files.
o Documentation of any deficiencies identified as a result of
investigations of the above is included in monthly reports by
each licensing coordinator.
ƒ
To date, none have resulted in deficiencies
pertaining to the incidents identified in the police
reports.
Please Note:
In April, 12 reports were forwarded from Randallstown Police
Department.
5 were DHR licensed providers
2 were DJS licensed providers
5 were DHMH licensed providers (adult programs)
In May, 5 Police Reports were forwarded from Randallstown Police Department.
4 were DHR licensed providers
1 was DHMH licensed providers (adult programs).
In June, 0 reports were received from Randallstown Police Department.
20
APPENDIX C
RDLC and Workgroup Members
21
RDLC Members
*Denotes Workgroup Members
*Marcia Andersen, DHMH/MHA
Nancy Boone, MSDE/IRC
*Carmen Brown, DHR/OLM
*Paula Boxley, DHMH/OHCQ
*Bill Dorrill, DHMH/OHCQ
Arla Ely, Baltimore City LMB
Darlene Ham, DHR/OLM
Monica Harris, DHR/OLM
Juanita Hoyle, DJS
*Bill Lee, DHR/OLM
*Jim McComb, MARFY
Steve Sorin, MSDE/IRC
Eartha Sterling, DHR/OLM
*Shelley Tinney (chair), GOC
Bill Towey, MANSEF
Beverly Ursic, MANSEF
*Gwen Winston, DHMH/DDA
Al Zachik, DHMH/MHA
Additional Workgroup Members (Non-RDLC members)
Pete Keefer, DJS/OPRA
Bernard Pressley, DJS
22