The Forth Worth-based center was ordered to close its youth programs Jan. 26, and parents were forced to pick up their children the same day to avoid involvement by the Department of Family and Protective Services, the report said. A total of 40 children were discharged from the facility.
The center will be allowed to admit children as soon as Feb. 25, but will be placed under probation for one year, the report said.
Fort Behavioral Health was notified on Jan. 24 of two investigations involving allegations of child abuse, neglect or exploitation. The state Health and Human Services Commission said it found the following offenses:
1. A Fort Behavioral staff member had “physically fought with a child and had to be held back by another staff to stop the conflict.”
2. Staff had failed to provide medical care to a child who was injured while being restrained.
3. A staff member “pushed a child against a wall as a form of discipline.”
4. Staff restrained children inappropriately in several other instances.
The commission required the facility to correct the offenses within three days of receiving notice, the report said.
Fort Behavioral Health said they weren’t given adequate notice, and in a response to the agency said it “wholeheartedly denies the allegations.”