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Hill Country Youth Ranch Residential Treatment Center

Child care center · , TX · License 215752

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 50. 5-17

Violation history (480)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
3 748.723(a) - Volunteers and Contractors-if the person performs an employee function, he must meet the same requirements as an employee who performs that function
A volunteer did not have all the required trainings to be a caregiver for children and supervised 8 residents with a staff.
4 748.3441(c) - Food Preparation-Must keep furniture, equipment, surfaces & other areas where food is prepared, eaten or stored clean & in good repair
Refrigerator had crumbs and syrup stuck to the bottom of the refrigerator in the drawer area.
4 748.2901(2)(A) - Triggered Reviews-Review if child is personally restrained 4 times within a 7-day period, unless otherwise ordered or recommended in advance
There was at least 5 instances where a triggered review should have been conducted based on having at least 4 or more restraints within a 7-day period.
4 748.2463(3) - Emergency Behavior Intervention-Never used as a means to get a child to comply
Staff member told a child in care that if they did not go to their room they would put the child there, then grabbed the child by the arm and escorted the child to the bedroom.
4 748.2203(c)(2) - Medication Error-Document the medication error
Medication Log for 1 out of 6 children investigated showed that their medication was given at the wrong time and not documented accordingly.
3 745.651(1) - Background Check Validation - You must inactivate a subject who is no longer associated with your operation within 7 days of leaving
A staff member separated from employment at the operation on 10/31/2025 and the operation did not inactivate the staff member's background check until 12/05/2025.
5 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work.
Direct care staff threatened to drop a child to the floor in response to the child?s heightened behavior.
5 748.1101(b)(1)(B) - Children's rights-Adhere to the child's rights to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
It is alleged that staff became physically aggressive with a child in care and executed an improper and unwarranted restraint on the child in care which resulted in an injury.
5 748.685(a)(5) - Caregiver responsibility - being able to intervene when necessary to ensure child's safety
A staff member was present when a child was pushed, yelled at and restrained by another staff member and did nothing to intervene.
4 748.3475(a) - Safety Requirements-The administrator or designee must inspect the playground weekly to ensure no hazards are present
Found a screw sticking out of the playground side rail, Loose-fill missing in the play ground. Swing must not be attached to a composite structure.
4 748.3301(c) - Physical Site-Windows & doors must be in good repair & free of broken glass or hazards
Observed 3 door frames broken with nails protruding in children's bedrooms and 1 broken wall panel in a child's bathroom.
4 748.2551(a) - EBI Implementation-Must be an appropriate response to the behavior demonstrated, and de-escalation must have failed
Direct care staff grabbed and shoved a child in response to the child?s behavior; this was an inappropriate response. Additionally, before grabbing the child, the direct care staff did not attempt to de-escalate the situation.
4 748.2551(a) - EBI Implementation-Must be an appropriate response to the behavior demonstrated, and de-escalation must have failed
When reviewing actions taken leading up to the restraint and the child's service plan the child was not provided a silent and quite place to calm down.
4 748.2463(1) - Emergency Behavior Intervention-Never used as punishment
Video footage confirmed child asked staff for toilet paper while staff was standing a few feet away from the child with toilet paper in their hand. Staff told the child to go to their room first and child became upset and threw a chair away from anyone as they walked in their room. Staff was then seen going into the room and placing the child in a restraint.
3 748.685(c)(6) - Implement and follow the children's service plans.
Video footage confirmed staff did not check on the children at the 10 minute time frame as stated in their service plan.
4 748.2003(b)(3) - AP Administration of prescription medication-Administer medications according to instructions or a prescribing health-care professional's orders
Staff stated they were not sure if child required the Epi pen injection for allergic reaction due to bee sting but administered anyway. Staff stated child was not in distress and was not having trouble breathing. The child was given their inhaler. Staff did not request assistance from supervisor or medical professional. Child in care told staff they needed the Epi pen so staff administered. Staff then stated they did not inject Epi pen according to instructions because they did not leave in for 10 seconds and immediately removed from child's leg, the staff then saw medication dripping from Epi pen. The staff injected the leg and then immediately took it out.
5 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being
Video footage confirmed that staff was not present for long periods of time and child interviews confirmed that staff was not present for long periods of time. Video footage showed two children laying on a couch together for a few minutes without staff redirecting them.
4 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks
When a child in care was having a behavior, the caregiver lost control and escalated the situation.
2 748.949(b)(4) - Annual Training Documentation-Includes the trainer's name and qualifications, or the source of the training for self-instructional training
Of the training records reviewed, four annual training records were lacking trainer qualifications.
5 748.2301(b)(2) - Disciplinary Measures-must not be physically or emotionally damaging to the child
A child in care was so distraught after the staff member pushed the child into their room and closed the door that the child began banging loudly on the door to her room.
3 748.685(c)(6) - Implement and follow the children's service plans.
Service plan was reviewed, and staff did not follow the supervision plan regarding a child not being left alone and requiring a direct care staff present with the child. Child was alone without direct care staff in the back of a working vehicle during a work program.
4 748.1545(a) - Vision and hearing screening-must ensure that each child is screened; must have professional exam if problems are detected
1 out of 4 children has not received their hearing exam.
5 748.3301(a)(1) - Physical Site- Buildings must be structurally sound and not pose a risk to the health and safety of children.
Based off photos provided by DFPS Residential Contract Manager it was determined mold was present on the walls and ceiling of operation bathroom. The operation confirmed the issue was corrected the same day.
Yes
4 748.1003(a) - Child/caregiver ratio-Caregiver may care for 5 children if any require tx svcs, 8 children if not; children under 5 yrs old count as 2 children
There was 1 staff supervising total of 8 children during recreation time and three of the children receive treatment services.
5 748.1101(b)(1)(B) - Children's rights-Adhere to the child's rights to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Staff pushed child and was observed on camera doing so.
5 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being
Staff interviewed confirmed they informed the children they had to be in line of sight but then went inside the house for a brief period, leaving two children unattended.
4 748.3391(a) - Bathrooms-Must be maintained in good repair & kept clean
Restrooms in theTerry cabin smelled of urine and orange mildew was present in the shower.
3 748.3365(b)(2) - Bedding-must provide each child with a mattress cover or protector unless mattress is waterproof
One bed in Meadows was missing the mattress cover.
Yes
3 748.685(c)(6) - Implement and follow the children's service plans.
The Service Plan of a child in care clearly notes the Level of Care as IPTP and night checks should be completed every 10 minutes, specifically from 10PM until midnight. Night Logs note checks were being completed every 10 minutes until 9PM and every hour after 9PM.
3 748.685(c)(6) - Implement and follow the children's service plans.
The Service Plan Review of a child in care clearly notes the night staff should conduct checks every 10 minutes, specifically from 10PM until midnight. Night Logs note checks were being completed every 10 minutes until 9PM and every hour after 9PM.
4 748.3445(b) - Food Preparation-Must keep furniture, equipment, surfaces & other areas where food is prepared, eaten or stored clean & in good repair
Both Meadows and Terry cabin contained broken shelves in the fridge.
5 748.1531(a)(2) - Medical care-A child in care must receive medical care as needed for injury, illness, and pain
Child in care was stung by a bee at approximately 3:30 pm. Face sheet and service plan document child is allergic to bee stings. Later in the evening child stated they were having trouble breathing and started to vomit. Staff stated they did not feel child was having trouble breathing but gave child inhaler and administered Epi pen. Staff stated they did not follow instructions for Epi pen administration because they immediately removed the pen without waiting the required amount of time for medication to be fully injected. After child in care was administered the Epi pen incorrectly the child did not receive immediate follow-up medical care to address allergic reaction and any possible adverse reactions to the Epi pen. According to SIR, when child was eventually taken the emergency room the next morning the child required 2 units of IV fluids to treat dehydration. According to child, they were vomiting all night.
4 748.2455(a)(1) - Emergency Behavior Intervention-Before using EBI, the caregiver must attempt less restrictive interventions that prove to be ineffective
3 out of 4 staff stated that les restrictive interventions could have been used prior to conducting an Emergency Behavior Intervention.
4 748.1661(b) - Tobacco Products-Adult may not smoke tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or vaporizers in children's living areas/inside any building on premises w/ kids
Staff member was providing vapes and smoking with children in care.
3 748.3001(C)(2) - Sanitation inspection- inspection unavailable must maintain documentation at operation and make available to us
Yearly updated documentation showing inspections are unavailable at the operation has not been provided.
4 748.455(a) - Unauthorized Absence-After a child returns from unauthorized absence, foster parent must conduct debriefing w/child no later than 24 hrs after return
The debriefing was not conducted within 24 hours of the child's return. The debriefing did not include the child's condition or what occurred during the time away.
4 748.3441(m) - Food Preparation-Food must be thawed in the refrigerator, in cold water in a leak-proof bag, or in the microwave
Food was left in the sink to defrost.
4 748.2455(a)(2) - Emergency Behavior Intervention-Basis for EBI is an emergency situation or to administer medication
3 out 4 staff interviewed stated that there was no emergency situation present and there could have been other alternatives to de-escalate the situation.
5 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being
It was confirmed that a caregiver was asleep when they were supposed to be supervising children in care.
5 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work.
A staff member pushed a child two times causing the child to fall.
4 748.303(a)(9)(A) - Serious Incident-Report to CCL within 2 hours of notifying LE the absence of a child developmentally/chronologically 6 to 12 years old.
Reports to licensing was made outside of the required time frame.
5 748.2551(c)(2) - EBI Implementation-Caregiver must use the minimal amount of reasonable and necessary physical force
Video footage shows staff going into child's room and placing their hands on child in order to immediately throw them on the ground.
5 748.1101(b)(1)(B) - Children's rights-Adhere to the child's rights to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Video footage shows child being taken to the floor on an unwarranted restraint where there was no emergency situation nor was the child a danger to themself or others.
3 748.303(a)(9)(A) - Serious Incident-Report to Licensing no later than 6 hours after determining unauthorized absence of a child 13 yrs old or older
It was determined that the unauthorized absence was not reported within the required 6 hour time frame.
2 748.1217(c)(14) - Admission Assessment-Prior to initial service plan, add determination of whether operation can meet child's needs
1 out of 4 child's service plans do not include an accurate assesment of the child's strengths, interests, and personality.
4 748.3391(a) - Bathrooms-Must be maintained in good repair & kept clean
During an inspection, it was observed that mold was accumulating in one of the showers.
4 748.2151(d) - Medication Record-must include accurate daily count of each prescribed medication, unless operate on a cottage home model
One out of six medication records was observed not having an accurate daily count.
3 748.2151(c)(6) - Medication record - must include name & signature of person who administered each medication
2 children records reviewed showed medical log is missing staff signature after administering medications.
3 748.2551(d)(1) - EBI Implementation-Caregiver must make every effort to protect the child's privacy, including shielding the child from onlookers
Video footage shows staff forcing another child to sit and watch restraint with another child. Children interviewed also corroborated with another child sitting in and watching restraint.
4 748.2455(a)(2) - Emergency Behavior Intervention-Basis for EBI is an emergency situation or to administer medication
EBI conducted by staff was not conducted in an emergency situation as seen in the video footage and described by program coordinator, and children.
4 748.2003(b)(6) - Administration of prescription medication-ensure a person trained in & authorized to administer prescription medication administers the medication
Operation staff stated they were not trained to administer an EPI pen and didn't know how to use.
4 748.2203(c)(1) - Medication Error-Document the time & date of the error
Medication log reviewed for one child contained missing dosages and was not recorded as a medication error.
3 748.3301(g) - Physical Site-The grounds must be free of garbage & debris & maintained in a sanitary manner
Licensing observed and photographed broken glass pieces on the ground outside a window at Terry Cabin, which staff indicated had been there for two weeks. The staff cleaned up all broken glass pieces during the inspection.
3 748.2151(c)(6) - Medication record - must include name & signature of person who administered each medication
In the Meadows Home when reviewing the medication log there was a signature missing on who dispensed the medication.
4 748.1539(a) - Immunizations-Each child must meet and continue to meet the applicable immunization requirements
1 out of 4 children did not have an immunization record.
5 748.685(a)(5) - Caregiver responsibility - being able to intervene when necessary to ensure child's safety
Interviews with all children confirmed that staff didn't intervene an altercation between two residents and that two other residents intervened.
3 748.453(a)(2) - Unauthorized Absence ? Annual summary log must include time and date absence was discovered
A time notation is not present in the unauthorized absence log.
4 748.455(a) - Unauthorized Absence-After a child returns from unauthorized absence, foster parent must conduct debriefing w/child no later than 24 hrs after return
A debriefing was not conducted with one of the resident involved within the required time frame.
4 748.2307(8) - Other Prohibited Punishments-humiliating, shaming, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child
Staff member physically put himself directly in front of a child yelled and threatened the child. Staff member also yelled at other children who were in their bedrooms to be quiet unless they wanted some of this too.
3 748.303(a)(10)(A) - Serious Incident-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after awareness that a child contracts reportable communicable disease
Child in care contracted a communicable disease that was not reported within 24 hours after becoming aware of illness.
4 748.3391(a) - Bathrooms-Must be maintained in good repair & kept clean
During an inspection, it was observed that mold was accumulating in one of the showers.
4 748.3301(c) - Physical Site-Windows & doors must be in good repair & free of broken glass or hazards
Observed 3 door frames broken with nails protruding in children's bedrooms and 1 broken wall panel in a child's bathroom.
4 748.3445(b) - Food Preparation-Must keep furniture, equipment, surfaces & other areas where food is prepared, eaten or stored clean & in good repair
Both Meadows and Terry cabin contained broken shelves in the fridge.
5 748.1101(b)(1)(B) - Children's rights-Adhere to the child's rights to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Staff pushed child and was observed on camera doing so.
4 748.2551(a) - EBI Implementation-Must be an appropriate response to the behavior demonstrated, and de-escalation must have failed
Direct care staff grabbed and shoved a child in response to the child?s behavior; this was an inappropriate response. Additionally, before grabbing the child, the direct care staff did not attempt to de-escalate the situation.
4 748.1539(a) - Immunizations-Each child must meet and continue to meet the applicable immunization requirements
1 out of 4 children did not have an immunization record.
4 748.2551(a) - EBI Implementation-Must be an appropriate response to the behavior demonstrated, and de-escalation must have failed
When reviewing actions taken leading up to the restraint and the child's service plan the child was not provided a silent and quite place to calm down.
5 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work.
A staff member pushed a child two times causing the child to fall.
3 748.723(a) - Volunteers and Contractors-if the person performs an employee function, he must meet the same requirements as an employee who performs that function
A volunteer did not have all the required trainings to be a caregiver for children and supervised 8 residents with a staff.
5 748.3301(a)(1) - Physical Site- Buildings must be structurally sound and not pose a risk to the health and safety of children.
Based off photos provided by DFPS Residential Contract Manager it was determined mold was present on the walls and ceiling of operation bathroom. The operation confirmed the issue was corrected the same day.
Yes
4 748.1003(a) - Child/caregiver ratio-Caregiver may care for 5 children if any require tx svcs, 8 children if not; children under 5 yrs old count as 2 children
There was 1 staff supervising total of 8 children during recreation time and three of the children receive treatment services.
4 748.3441(m) - Food Preparation-Food must be thawed in the refrigerator, in cold water in a leak-proof bag, or in the microwave
Food was left in the sink to defrost.
4 748.1661(b) - Tobacco Products-Adult may not smoke tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or vaporizers in children's living areas/inside any building on premises w/ kids
Staff member was providing vapes and smoking with children in care.
4 748.2455(a)(1) - Emergency Behavior Intervention-Before using EBI, the caregiver must attempt less restrictive interventions that prove to be ineffective
3 out of 4 staff stated that les restrictive interventions could have been used prior to conducting an Emergency Behavior Intervention.
4 748.455(a) - Unauthorized Absence-After a child returns from unauthorized absence, foster parent must conduct debriefing w/child no later than 24 hrs after return
The debriefing was not conducted within 24 hours of the child's return. The debriefing did not include the child's condition or what occurred during the time away.
3 748.3001(C)(2) - Sanitation inspection- inspection unavailable must maintain documentation at operation and make available to us
Yearly updated documentation showing inspections are unavailable at the operation has not been provided.
5 748.2303(a) - Corporal Punishment-May not use/threaten corporal punishment, such as hitting/spanking, forced exercise, holding physical position, unproductive work.
Direct care staff threatened to drop a child to the floor in response to the child?s heightened behavior.
5 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being
Video footage confirmed that staff was not present for long periods of time and child interviews confirmed that staff was not present for long periods of time. Video footage showed two children laying on a couch together for a few minutes without staff redirecting them.
5 748.685(a)(5) - Caregiver responsibility - being able to intervene when necessary to ensure child's safety
A staff member was present when a child was pushed, yelled at and restrained by another staff member and did nothing to intervene.
3 748.2151(c)(6) - Medication record - must include name & signature of person who administered each medication
2 children records reviewed showed medical log is missing staff signature after administering medications.
5 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being
Staff interviewed confirmed they informed the children they had to be in line of sight but then went inside the house for a brief period, leaving two children unattended.
4 748.2463(1) - Emergency Behavior Intervention-Never used as punishment
Video footage confirmed child asked staff for toilet paper while staff was standing a few feet away from the child with toilet paper in their hand. Staff told the child to go to their room first and child became upset and threw a chair away from anyone as they walked in their room. Staff was then seen going into the room and placing the child in a restraint.
4 748.3441(c) - Food Preparation-Must keep furniture, equipment, surfaces & other areas where food is prepared, eaten or stored clean & in good repair
Refrigerator had crumbs and syrup stuck to the bottom of the refrigerator in the drawer area.
3 748.453(a)(2) - Unauthorized Absence ? Annual summary log must include time and date absence was discovered
A time notation is not present in the unauthorized absence log.
4 748.2307(8) - Other Prohibited Punishments-humiliating, shaming, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child
Staff member physically put himself directly in front of a child yelled and threatened the child. Staff member also yelled at other children who were in their bedrooms to be quiet unless they wanted some of this too.
3 748.685(c)(6) - Implement and follow the children's service plans.
The Service Plan Review of a child in care clearly notes the night staff should conduct checks every 10 minutes, specifically from 10PM until midnight. Night Logs note checks were being completed every 10 minutes until 9PM and every hour after 9PM.
3 748.685(c)(6) - Implement and follow the children's service plans.
Service plan was reviewed, and staff did not follow the supervision plan regarding a child not being left alone and requiring a direct care staff present with the child. Child was alone without direct care staff in the back of a working vehicle during a work program.
5 748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being
It was confirmed that a caregiver was asleep when they were supposed to be supervising children in care.
5 748.1101(b)(1)(B) - Children's rights-Adhere to the child's rights to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
It is alleged that staff became physically aggressive with a child in care and executed an improper and unwarranted restraint on the child in care which resulted in an injury.
4 748.1545(a) - Vision and hearing screening-must ensure that each child is screened; must have professional exam if problems are detected
1 out of 4 children has not received their hearing exam.
4 748.2003(b)(6) - Administration of prescription medication-ensure a person trained in & authorized to administer prescription medication administers the medication
Operation staff stated they were not trained to administer an EPI pen and didn't know how to use.
4 748.3475(a) - Safety Requirements-The administrator or designee must inspect the playground weekly to ensure no hazards are present
Found a screw sticking out of the playground side rail, Loose-fill missing in the play ground. Swing must not be attached to a composite structure.
3 748.3301(g) - Physical Site-The grounds must be free of garbage & debris & maintained in a sanitary manner
Licensing observed and photographed broken glass pieces on the ground outside a window at Terry Cabin, which staff indicated had been there for two weeks. The staff cleaned up all broken glass pieces during the inspection.
4 748.455(a) - Unauthorized Absence-After a child returns from unauthorized absence, foster parent must conduct debriefing w/child no later than 24 hrs after return
A debriefing was not conducted with one of the resident involved within the required time frame.
3 748.2151(c)(6) - Medication record - must include name & signature of person who administered each medication
In the Meadows Home when reviewing the medication log there was a signature missing on who dispensed the medication.
4 748.3391(a) - Bathrooms-Must be maintained in good repair & kept clean
Restrooms in theTerry cabin smelled of urine and orange mildew was present in the shower.
4 748.303(a)(9)(A) - Serious Incident-Report to CCL within 2 hours of notifying LE the absence of a child developmentally/chronologically 6 to 12 years old.
Reports to licensing was made outside of the required time frame.
5 748.2551(c)(2) - EBI Implementation-Caregiver must use the minimal amount of reasonable and necessary physical force
Video footage shows staff going into child's room and placing their hands on child in order to immediately throw them on the ground.
3 748.3365(b)(2) - Bedding-must provide each child with a mattress cover or protector unless mattress is waterproof
One bed in Meadows was missing the mattress cover.
Yes
5 748.1531(a)(2) - Medical care-A child in care must receive medical care as needed for injury, illness, and pain
Child in care was stung by a bee at approximately 3:30 pm. Face sheet and service plan document child is allergic to bee stings. Later in the evening child stated they were having trouble breathing and started to vomit. Staff stated they did not feel child was having trouble breathing but gave child inhaler and administered Epi pen. Staff stated they did not follow instructions for Epi pen administration because they immediately removed the pen without waiting the required amount of time for medication to be fully injected. After child in care was administered the Epi pen incorrectly the child did not receive immediate follow-up medical care to address allergic reaction and any possible adverse reactions to the Epi pen. According to SIR, when child was eventually taken the emergency room the next morning the child required 2 units of IV fluids to treat dehydration. According to child, they were vomiting all night.

Severity 5 = most serious. Source: official state record.

Inspections (288)

288 inspection record(s) on file from TX-HHSC.

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