Mary Bethune Academy
2249 Halifax Street
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 847-4221
Current Inspector: Susan Mallory (276) 608-4267
Inspection Date: July 6, 2023
Complaint Related: Yes
- Areas Reviewed:
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8VAC20 780 Administration.
8VAC20 780 Staff Qualifications and Training.
8VAC20 780 Staffing and Supervision.
8VAC20 780 Programs.
63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect
- Comments:
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A complaint investigation was initiated on 7/6/2023 from 11:55 am to 2:20 pm in response to a complaint received on 6/24/2023. Tapes of alleged incidents were reviewed, staff and child records were reviewed, and staff members were interviewed. The preponderance of evidence gathered supported a forbidden action occurred and the complaint is valid.
Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program.
- Violations:
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Standard #: 8VAC20-780-410-1 Complaint related: Yes Description: Based on video recordings, documentation, and staff interviews, forbidden actions (roughly handling children) occurred at the center.
EVIDENCE:
1. In a video recording dated 6/9/2023, Staff 4 was observed roughly pulling Child 1 (age 2 years) by the arm to bring the child back to the diaper changing area. The incident was witnessed by Staff 6 and Staff 8, who reported the incident to Staff 2. A summary document on facility letterhead describing the incident stated Staff 4 was observed being ?unintentionally rough with a child.? This document was signed by Staff 1, Staff 2, and Staff 4 on 6/9/2023.
2. In a video recording dated 6/16/2023, Child 4 (age 2 years) was standing on a low table and Staff 4 jerked up the child by the arms, carried them across the room, and put the child down hard in a ?time-out? chair.
3. In an interview with Staff 4, they stated they may have been a bit rough at times and they were working on that.Plan of Correction: On the evening of 7/6/2023, Staff 4 resigned from the center. On 7/19/2023, a meeting was held with all center personnel to review specific center policies and procedures, including the safe handling of children, "time-out" procedures, and overall child safety. All staff signed that they received this training, and a copy was placed in every staff's file. Center Directors will continue to work with staff to identify additional training and educational opportunities in these important areas.
Disclaimer:
A compliance history is in no way a rating for a facility.
The online compliance history includes only information after July 1, 2003. In addition, the online compliance history includes information regarding adverse actions that may be the subject of a pending appeal. An adverse action is not final until a provider has exhausted or waived all due process rights. For compliance history prior to July 1, 2003, or information regarding the status of pending adverse actions, please contact the Licensing Inspector listed in the facility's information. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is not responsible for any errors in or omissions from the compliance history information.
