Alliance Statement on Incident at Parmadale
The Alliance of Child Caring Service Providers is an association that represents providers who provide a variety of child welfare and children’s mental health services in Cuyahoga County, including secure settings for children and youth. These providers are licensed and accredited and adhere to clear policies and procedures in regards to the training of staff and the restraint of children. Any time there is a death of a child, those who are closest to that child, as well as the rest of the community, are deeply impacted. We are truly saddened by the death of the young woman at Parmadale.
It is a fact that there are many children and youth who are in need of an intensive treatment environment. The life circumstances that these children have seen and endured have impaired their ability to properly handle their emotions. For some children, this leads to violent behavior that causes them to be a threat to themselves or others. The staff who work with these children are often confronted with verbal and physical aggression. As a result, the staff are regularly trained in de-escalation techniques, as well as physical restraint. These techniques can be utilized whenever a child exhibits behaviors that are a danger to themselves or others. Whenever a restraint occurs, there are internal and external reviews that take place to ensure the proper utilization of these techniques. We as agencies are always concerned with the safety of the child, as well as the adult in these situations, and utilize nationally acceptable models for de-escalation and restraint. Additionally, all residential providers are licensed by either the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or the Ohio Department of Mental Health and most are accredited by a national accrediting body. In order to receive accreditation and licensure, providers must meet numerous standards, rules, and regulations related to the care and treatment of children, including restraints.
Our thoughts are with the family as well as the staff at Parmadale. Until the investigation is complete, it would be improper to comment further.
