DCS Takes License Revocation Action Against Group Home Operator for Multiple Safety, Health and Administrative Violations

DCS Takes License Revocation Action Against Group Home Operator for Multiple Safety, Health and Administrative Violations

PHOENIX (August 31, 2015) - The Arizona Department of Child Safety has issued a Notice of Group Home License Revocation against Golden State Human Development (GSHD), the operator of four group homes for foster children including: Charles Youth Development (CYD); Vernell Oasis Garden (VOG); Hazel Landrum Hope (HLH); The Betty Joyce Home (BJH). 

The DCS Office of Licensing and Regulation (OLR) working from a list of multiple violations dating back to 2014 and as a result of repeated site visits placed GSHD on a Corrective Action Plan in May of this year.  Despite DCS's continued efforts to mitigate risk to the children in GSHD’s care, the group home operator has remained out of compliance.

The list of allegations include: children being left unattended for hours at a time; failure to provide proper medical treatment; lack of intervention in altercations between children; inadequately securing medications, chemicals and cleaning supplies; transporting minors without seatbelts; and missing criminal background check information on multiple GSHD staff.  Additionally, records show that local law enforcement agencies have been dispatched to two of the listed group homes more than 170 times between January, 2015 and July, 2015.

Shortly after Greg McKay became Director in February, 2015, DCS undertook more frequent license monitoring visits. Director McKay has sought a system of shared accountability where the safety and care of our State's children are the responsibility of all, not just DCS.  McKay said, "When unfortunate circumstances leave children to be cared for by the State, we are obligated to not only ensure their safety but enhance their ability to recover and thrive.  When that obligation isn’t met, we will take action, as we have done in this case."

McKay added, “As part of this process, DCS placement specialists have been working to ensure new placements are found for these children.  Sadly, this marks yet another disruption to the lives of these already traumatized children."

Golden State Human Development (GSHD) is entitled to an appeals process under Arizona statute.