Texas › Richmond › Empower Youth Homes LLC

Empower Youth Homes LLC

Child care center · 3034 FM 2977 RD, Richmond, TX 77469-8459 · License 1760485

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 15. 0-20

Violation history (500)

Severity	Date	Standard / narrative	Corrected
4	—	748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks Staff instructed another child in care to go get the other child out of their room. This caused an altercation between the two children.	—
4	—	748.121(2) - Abuse and neglect policy-Methods for employee awareness regarding child abuse/neglect, including signs that a child may be a victim of abuse/neglect The policy lack's methods for employees to recognize signs that a child may be a victim of abuse/neglect.	—
3	—	748.105(3)(C) - Personnel policies-develop professional staffing plan that documents staffing patterns/ratios/hours of coverage/plans for backup caregivers The appropriate ratios for a Residential Treatment Center are not listed this policy. The policy provided states one staff to eight residences when it should be one staff to five residences.	—
4	—	748.3301(f) - Physical Site-The grounds of the operation must be well maintained and free of hazards During the walkthrough, there were wood boards and loose bricks laying around in the backyard. Also, in one of the living rooms there was a pack of screws observed laying out next to the firplace.	—
4	—	748.2151(d) - Medication Record-must include accurate daily count of each prescribed medication, unless operate on a cottage home model The medication count was documented incorrectly on the med log for two medications.	—
5	—	748.685(c)(2) - Caregiver responsibility - provide a safe environment Multiple accounts indicate caregivers did not physically intervene to ensure the safety of a youth in care who was engaging in a physical altercation with another caregiver.	—
4	—	748.3421(3) - Poisons-Ensure poisonous/flammable material isstored in an area that is inaccessible to children unless child is capable to use responsibly. Cleaning supplies were observed in an area accessible to youth in care.	—
4	—	748.3101(1) - Fire Inspection-Must have fire inspection before initial permit issued Operation has not had a fie inspection completed yet.	—
4	—	748.2003(b)(2) - Administration of Medication-Store medication in the original container unless there is an additional container with the same label & instructions All youth in care's medications were pre-popped and placed in weekly pill organizers not including administration instructions.	—
4	—	748.1531(d) - Medical care-Obtain follow-up medical treatment as recommended by the health-care professional The operation failed to adjust a child?s medication as recommended by the health-care professional upon discharge from the hospital.	—
4	—	748.105(9) - Personnel Policies - Drug testing policy meets or exceeds DFPS' model policy in 745.4151 The policy does not include information about staff needing a drug test upon being hired.	—
3	—	748.2151(c)(6) - Medication record - must include name & signature of person who administered each medication A few medication records reviewed did not include signatures of the person administering the medication.	—
4	—	748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks It was determined that staff members do not use prudent judgement when responding to children when they are upset.	—
3	—	748.2301(a) - Disciplinary Measures-only a caregiver known to and knowledgeable of the child may discipline the child Children in care intervene and separate children during fights.	—
4	—	748.3101(1) - Fire Inspection-Must have fire inspection before initial permit issued Operation has not had a fire inspection completed yet.	—
4	—	748.2203(c)(2) - Medication Error-Document the medication error It was found during the investigation by an investigator that there were multiple children with 1 or 2 pills missing; medication errors were not documented.	—
4	—	748.2151(a) - Medication Record-Maintain cumulative record of prescription medications dispensed to child, include nonprescription meds for child under five yrs old Log needs to include: (1)Child?s full name (2)Prescribing health-care professional?s name, if applicable; [Medium] (3)Reason medication was prescribed, for prescription medication [Medium]; (4)Medication name, strength, and dosage [Medium-High]; (5)Date (day, month, and year) and time the medication was administered [Medium High]; (6)Name and signature of the person who administered the medication [Medium]; (7)Child?s refusal to accept medication, if applicable [Medium]; and (8)Reasons for administering the medication, including the specific symptoms, condition, and/or injuries of the child that you are treating, only for [Medium-High]: (A) PRN psychotropic medications; and (B) Nonprescription medications and supplements for children under five years old. (d)Unless you operate on a cottage home model, you must count each medication daily	Yes
4	—	748.2755(a)(1) - Simultaneous Interventions-May use emergency medication with mechanical restraint only if allowed by operation's policies There was not a policy that mention simultaneous interventions and the use of mechanical restraints/emergency medication.	—
3	—	748.1101(b)(4)(A)(vi) - Children's rights- To be free from being threatened with the loss of placement or shelter as punishment Multiple children in care mention staff threatening loss of placement.	—
3	—	748.3001(b) - Sanitation Inspection-Each inspection must meet regulations of the local health department ordinances Operation needs a sanitation inspection.	—
3	—	748.105(5) - Personnel Policies - Develop written policies on whether caregivers may take children away for day/overnight visits, ensure policy meets requirements The policy does not mention if staff are allowed to take children away for day/overnight visits.	—
3	—	748.3365(c)(1) - Bedding-must provide each child with pillow/bed linens appropriate for temperature including pillowcase, top sheet, fitted or bottom sheet Seven out of fifteen beds did not include all required bedding components.	—
3	—	748.1101(b)(4)(A)(vi) - Children's rights- To be free from being threatened with the loss of placement or shelter as punishment Children in care were told and reminded that they would lose their placement if they did not behave.	—
4	—	748.2003(b)(3) - AP Administration of prescription medication-Administer medications according to instructions or a prescribing health-care professional's orders A child in care was not given their medication as prescribed.	—
3	—	748.125(d)(4)(A) - Suicide Screening- A screening tool must be administered at admission for each child 10 years of age or older. One out of four youth files reviewed did not contain a suicide screening from admission.	—
5	—	748.685(a)(4) - Caregiver responsibility - providing the level of supervision necessary to ensure each child's safety and well-being A caregiver did not provide the level of supervision for a child in care and was not aware a child was no longer present at the operation.	—
4	—	748.113(5)(A) - EBI policy - For orientation, explain and document to a child in a manner that the child can understand The policy does not include sharing information with children in a manner the child can understand.	—
4	—	748.303(a)(2)(A) - AP Serious Incdt-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after injury/illness that warrants treatment by a medical professional or hospitalization Staff did not report a child in care required medical care. Staff should report incidents that require physician treatment to a child iin care.	—
3	—	748.363(1) - Personnel records-Include date of employment One out of two employee files reviewed did not indicate the date of employment, did not include a job description, acknowledgement of reporting abuse/neglect, verification of age requirements, affidavit for employment, and a job description.	—
4	—	748.121(3) - Abuse and neglect policy - Methods for increasing employee awareness of prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect The policy lack's prevention techniques.	—
4	—	748.2151(d) - Medication Record-must include accurate daily count of each prescribed medication, unless operate on a cottage home model The medication count was documented incorrectly on the med log for two medications.	—
2	—	748.1331(a) - Preliminary Service Plan-Complete plan that addresses child's immediate needs within 72 hours of admission One out of four youth files reviewed did not include a preliminary service plan.	—
4	—	748.2751(a)(1) - Successive Interventions-Caregiver may successively use emergency behavior interventions on a child only if allowed by operation's policies The policy does not include successive use of EBI.	—
4	—	748.2553(2)(E) - EBI Release-Child released from personal restraint when maximum time allowed for personal restraint is reached Policy doesn't indicate child will be released from EBI after meeting timeframe per Minimum Standards.	—
4	—	748.1337(b)(1)(D)(ii) - Initial Service Plan-Include instructions to caregivers about level of supervision required Staff are not following the 1:1 supervision during waking for a child in care that requires 1:1 supervision.	—
3	—	748.3365(b)(2) - Bedding-must provide each child with a mattress cover or protector unless mattress is waterproof It was observed that four beds did not have mattress cover or protector. It was also noted that there were no sheets.	—
3	—	748.1103(d) - Informing child of rights-Person being informed must sign statement indicating he read and understands the rights-signed copy filed in child's record One out of the four youth files reviewed did not contain the child's signature on their child's rights document.	—
4	—	748.3441(a) - Food Preparation-Food & drinks must be of safe quality, stored, prepared, distributed, & served under sanitary & safe conditions During the walkthrough of the operations, spoiled milk was found inside of the refrigerator {expiration date: Oct. 17, 2023}.	Yes
4	—	748.3301(h) - Physical Site-The building must be free of rodents and insects Several living insects were observed inside and outside of the operation.	—
5	—	748.1205(a)(13) - Include any risk factors/warning signs and safety plan staff/caregivers will implement related to the risk factors and warning signs The admission assessment is missing a spot for the identification of any risk factors or warning signs of suicide. The safety plan staff and caregivers will implement related to the risk factors and warning signs. Also missing a spot for the results of the suicide screening at admission, if required.	Yes
4	—	748.1005 - Child/caregiver ratio-Each group must have enough caregivers for that group who are not caring for other children or doing administrative work Two staff were observed completing administrative and other duties while being counted in ratio.	—
4	—	748.3443(a)(4) - Food Preparation-Food items must be stored in a container that is protected from insects & rodents A pancake mix box was observed left open in the food storage area.	Yes
2	—	748.751(b)(2) - Pre-Employment Screening-You must document the results of any contact with an applicant's previous employers in the personnel file. Two out of three employee files reviewed did not contain detailed documented information regarding the conversation or attempts made for employment history checks.	Yes
5	—	748.1101(b)(1)(B) - Children's rights-Adhere to the child's rights to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation This standard was found to be deficient as part of a DFPS investigation.	—
3	—	748.505(b)(4) - Minimum qualifications for employees-Complete notarized Licensing Affidavit for Applicants for Employment form One out of three employee files reviewed did not have the employment affidavit notarized.	—
4	—	748.2151(a) - Medication Record-Maintain cumulative record of prescription medications dispensed to child, include nonprescription meds for child under five yrs old Three out of three medication logs reviewed were missing documentation to show medications were administered.	—
4	—	748.393(b)(2) - Active child record-Includes known allergies and chronic conditions or The child file needs a place to document allergies.	—
4	—	748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks Staff left vehicle keys in common area where resident had access to them. Resident took vehicle keys and locked herself in the vehicle.	—
4	—	748.2753(a)(1) - Simultaneous Interventions-May use emergency medication with personal restraint or seclusion only if allowed by operation's policies The policy does not mention Simultaneous Intervention.	—
5	—	748.1101(b)(4)(A)(ii) - Children's rights-The right to be free from being subjected to or threatened with corporal punishment, including spanking or hitting A caregiver intentionally pushed and hit a youth in care during an altercation.	—
3	—	748.303(b) - Serious Incident-Not required to report medically pertinent incident if not level of serious incident. Document same as a serious incident The incident documentation did not indicate the time of the incident. Incidents that do not rise to the level of a serious incident must be documented in the same manner as a serious incident.	—
3	—	748.751(a)(2) - Pre-Employment Screening-You must contact the employer to verify if the applicant was employed as described in the applicant's employment history. Three out of three employee files reviewed did not contain documentation of employment history checks for all previous employers in the previous five years.	—
3	—	748.363(5) - Personnel records-Include copy of a cleared tuberculosis screening conducted prior to the person having contact with children in care The staff file reviewed did not have a TB test.	—
3	—	748.3365(b)(2) - Bedding-must provide each child with a mattress cover or protector unless mattress is waterproof Several beds in the operation were missing all required bedding components.	—
4	—	748.3301(f) - Physical Site-The grounds of the operation must be well maintained and free of hazards During the walkthrough, the operation's grounds were observed to have several hazardous objects such as loose bricks and wood planks as well as a small metal ladder. There was also a fallen tree branch in the backyard still somewhat connected to the tree.	—
5	—	748.1101(b)(4)(A)(ii) - Children's rights-The right to be free from being subjected to or threatened with corporal punishment, including spanking or hitting A caregiver retaliated by hitting a youth in care during a physical altercation.	—
4	—	748.2553(2)(E) - EBI Release-Child released from personal restraint when maximum time allowed for personal restraint is reached Policy doesn't indicate child will be released from EBI after meeting timeframe per Minimum Standards.	—
3	—	748.685(c)(6) - Implement and follow the children's service plans. Two of the children's service plans specify a supervision plan of one staff to three children due their high-risk behaviors. However, on the day of the incident, only one staff member was present to supervise four children.	—
3	—	748.3443(b)(1) - Food Preparation-Must have a thermometer in refrigerators & store refrigerated food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below During the walkthrough, a thermometer was not observed in the refrigerator.	—
2	—	748.1205(a)(2) - Admission Documentation-Includes court orders establishing who is the managing conservator for the child, if applicable Admission assessment is missing a spot for the primary caregivers for the child, any person with whom the child is allowed to leave the operation, and any other individual who has the legal authority to consent to the child?s medical care.	Yes
4	—	748.2755(a)(1) - Simultaneous Interventions-May use emergency medication with mechanical restraint only if allowed by operation's policies There was not a policy that mention simultaneous interventions and the use of mechanical restraints/emergency medication.	—
3	—	748.3443(b)(2) - Food Preparation-Must have a thermometer in freezers & store frozen food at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below The stand up freezer at the operation did not have a thermometer inside for measuring the temperature.	—
4	—	748.3475(a)(5) - Safety Requirements-The administrator or designee must inspect the equipment and surfacing material for tripping hazards and other hazards Bedroom 1 has a tripping hazard at the doorway.	—
4	—	748.2753(a)(1) - Simultaneous Interventions-May use emergency medication with personal restraint or seclusion only if allowed by operation's policies The policy does not mention Simultaneous Intervention.	—
2	—	748.1337(a) - Initial Service Plan-Base on needs identified in admission assessment; justify delay in addressing needs if service planning team prioritizes goals The service plans reviewed all contained the same information verbatim for the supervision needs of each child.	—
2	—	748.1439(b)(1) - Discharge Documentation-Discharge summary provided to next placement or caregiver within 15 days of discharge Missing a form to provide all of the information to the next placement.	Yes
4	—	748.1101(b)(4)(A)(v) - Children's rights- To be free from being subjected to remarks that belittle or ridicule the child or the child's family A caregiver told a child in care they would end up homeless, teased children in care about their past trauma, and antagonized children in care to prompt misbehavior/outburst.	—
2	—	748.3397(d)(2) - Bathing-Provide sufficient hot water to meet the demands of the children The hot water was not working.	—
3	—	748.303(a)(6)(A) - Serious Incident-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after becoming aware that child is indicted, charged, or arrested or when police respond. Two out of four serious incident reports reviewed were not reported to Licensing.	—
4	—	748.113(9)(B) - EBI policy - A child/adult client/resident because someone on behalf of the client files a complaint, provides information relating to misuse of EBI The policy does not mention that retaliation is prohibited if a complaint is filed.	—
4	—	748.2307(9) - Other Prohibited Punishments-subjecting a child to abusive or profane language Staff are using profane language around the children in care.	—
4	—	748.2151(b)(1) - Medication record - update cumulative record within 2 hours of administering medication Two out of two medication records reviewed did not have documentation completed for medications that were administered daily over a period of 4 days.	—
4	—	748.2151(b)(1) - Medication record - update cumulative record within 2 hours of administering medication Several medication logs reviewed had been pre filled documenting medication administered at future times.	—
4	—	748.1005 - Child/caregiver ratio-Each group must have enough caregivers for that group who are not caring for other children or doing administrative work During the inspection, it was observed one staff completing administrative duties while being the only staff counted in ratio to supervise the youth in care for more than 30 minutes.	—
4	—	748.3301(f) - Physical Site-The grounds of the operation must be well maintained and free of hazards During the walkthrough, there were wood boards and loose bricks laying around in the backyard. Also, in one of the living rooms there was a pack of screws observed laying out next to the firplace. Attempted to follow-up and the physical site was still not in compliance.	Yes
5	—	748.4003(1)(A) - General requirements-When transporting a child the operation must ensure each driver is at least 21 years old A caregiver who is 18 years old that has a restriction C on their driver license has confirmed they have driven a youth in care on multiple occasions.	—
2	—	748.1101(b)(6)(C) - Children's rights-to confidential care/treatment, include keep medical & operation records private. Discussing them only when it's about child's care Children were allowed to hear other children's private information during medical appointments.	—
4	—	748.121(1) - Abuse and neglect policy - required annual training for employees The policy does not list required trainings for the employees.	—
5	—	748.1101(b)(1)(B) - Children's rights-Adhere to the child's rights to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation This standard was found deficient as part of a DFPS investigation.	—
2	—	748.4083(b) - Vehicle and maintenance-Each vehicle used must be registered and have a current inspection sticker for the state in which it is registered The operation's vehicle inspection sticker expired 2/28/2025.	—
3	—	748.683(2) - Caregiver Supervision-Provide oversight of caregivers to ensure that assigned duties are performed adequately The operation did not provide appropriate caregiver oversight when leaving a single employee that was male to provide supervision and conduct bed checks. The male staff was unable to enter child bedrooms, per operation procedure to not leave camera view, to physically see/check that children were in bed. As a result, a child eloped without a caregiver knowing.	—
4	—	748.3443(a)(4) - Food Preparation-Food items must be stored in a container that is protected from insects & rodents Open chips and cereal was found open in the pantry and were not stored in a closed container after being opened in the original bag.	—
3	—	748.1101(b)(5)(B) - Child rights-participate in service plan within child's ability to manage info and have copy of plan Child 14 yo or older right to review/sign plan One out of four youth files reviewed did not contain the youth's signature on their service plan.	—
3	—	748.3443(b)(2) - Food Preparation-Must have a thermometer in freezers & store frozen food at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below The thermometer in the large freezer is reading at 12 degrees and the thermometer in the refrigerator is not functioning properly.	—
3	—	748.3365(c)(1) - Bedding-must provide each child with pillow/bed linens appropriate for temperature including pillowcase, top sheet, fitted or bottom sheet Not all beds in the operation contained all components required for linens on the beds.	—
3	—	748.151(3) - Operational responsibilities - Maintain current, true, accurate, and complete records Two out of four youth files reviewed contained service plans that were missing information.	—
4	—	748.113(6) - EBI Policy - Post EBIs permitted at your operation viewable to children/clients and provide them with a personal copy of EBI policies The policy does not indicate that permitted EBI will be posted or provided to children.	—
4	—	748.2151(a) - Medication Record-Maintain cumulative record of prescription medications dispensed to child, include nonprescription meds for child under five yrs old Three out of three medication logs reviewed were missing documentation to show medications were administered.	—
3	—	748.683(2) - Caregiver Supervision-Provide oversight of caregivers to ensure that assigned duties are performed adequately The operation did not provide appropriate caregiver oversight when leaving a single employee that was male to provide supervision and conduct bed checks. The male staff was unable to enter child bedrooms, per operation procedure to not leave camera view, to physically see/check that children were in bed. As a result, a child eloped without a caregiver knowing.	—
4	—	748.3475(a)(5) - Safety Requirements-The administrator or designee must inspect the equipment and surfacing material for tripping hazards and other hazards Bedroom 1 has a tripping hazard at the doorway.	—
3	—	748.2301(a) - Disciplinary Measures-only a caregiver known to and knowledgeable of the child may discipline the child Children in care intervene and separate children during fights.	—
3	—	748.3001(b) - Sanitation Inspection-Each inspection must meet regulations of the local health department ordinances Operation needs a sanitation inspection.	—
4	—	748.2151(b)(1) - Medication record - update cumulative record within 2 hours of administering medication Two out of two medication records reviewed did not have documentation completed for medications that were administered daily over a period of 4 days.	—
3	—	748.3365(b)(2) - Bedding-must provide each child with a mattress cover or protector unless mattress is waterproof It was observed that four beds did not have mattress cover or protector. It was also noted that there were no sheets.	—
4	—	748.3421(3) - Poisons-Ensure poisonous/flammable material isstored in an area that is inaccessible to children unless child is capable to use responsibly. Cleaning supplies were observed in an area accessible to youth in care.	—
3	—	748.1103(d) - Informing child of rights-Person being informed must sign statement indicating he read and understands the rights-signed copy filed in child's record One out of the four youth files reviewed did not contain the child's signature on their child's rights document.	—
4	—	748.1101(b)(4)(A)(v) - Children's rights- To be free from being subjected to remarks that belittle or ridicule the child or the child's family A caregiver told a child in care they would end up homeless, teased children in care about their past trauma, and antagonized children in care to prompt misbehavior/outburst.	—
2	—	748.751(b)(2) - Pre-Employment Screening-You must document the results of any contact with an applicant's previous employers in the personnel file. Two out of three employee files reviewed did not contain detailed documented information regarding the conversation or attempts made for employment history checks.	Yes
4	—	748.3443(a)(4) - Food Preparation-Food items must be stored in a container that is protected from insects & rodents Open chips and cereal was found open in the pantry and were not stored in a closed container after being opened in the original bag.	—
4	—	748.2151(b)(1) - Medication record - update cumulative record within 2 hours of administering medication Several medication logs reviewed had been pre filled documenting medication administered at future times.	—

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

Inspections (264)

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

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