FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) – An Arkansas youth mental health treatment center is
being investigated by the state Department of Human Services amid allegations of
abuse, neglect and sexual contact among residents.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the allegations also include excessive
use of physical and chemical restraints at Piney Ridge Treatment Center in
Fayetteville, which is licensed for 102 patients ages 7 to 17.
Piney Ridge CEO Adrienne Catalina told the newspaper that residents are
monitored constantly, abuse allegations are investigated and reported to proper
authorities and guardians, and that physical and chemical restraints are used
according to state and federal regulations.
DHS spokeswoman Amy Webb said the center has work to do to improve and is
being monitored.
The state’s actions could range from a plan to make corrections to revoking
the facility’s license.
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