State alleges group home workers taught kids to snort, get ‘high’

UPDATE @ 6:08 p.m. (Feb. 1)

The 11-page document sent by Ohio Department of Job and Family Services was a "notice of opportunity for a hearing on the proposed revocation of the certificate to operate the children's residential center."

The letter cites several sections of the Ohio Administrative Code that the agency was determined not to be in compliance with, according to ODJFS.

The letter from the state alleges several incidents caught on video in February 2016, including a staff member mixing cough medicines and soda to get "high." The video shows the staff member and three children drinking the mixture "for a 'high.'"

In the same month, video also shows a staff member crushing pills and showing the children how to make a straw from paper bills, before snorting the crushed pills with three children, according to the state's letter.

The letter also cites a child sustaining a broken wrist during restraint that wasn't treated medically until the next day, despite the child's complaints.

Jon Keeling, spokesman for Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said in an email:

"The safety and security of the young people who live at this location are our first priority. Our inspectors take this responsibility very seriously, and as a result of their investigation a determination was made to revoke this location’s license. As is protocol, Adriel has 30 days to appeal."

Adriel had previously developed a Corrective Action Plan for re-certification that was implemented Feb. 1, 2016.

RELATED: Adriel School under state, county investigation

The state's 11-page letter, dated Jan. 24, also cites a physical abuse report of one child that was substantiated by Clermont County Children Services in March 2016.

A July 19, 2016 complaint alleges a staff member showed two children a video of men engaging in a sex act together, according to ODJFS.

Another citation of Adriel was that children were not allowed to attend religious services when requested, according to the state.

We have spoken to Adriel CEO Todd Hanes today. He said the agency intends to request a hearing with the state.

“We believe in accountability, we believe in being held accountable and honestly this could mean that we are no longer in residential care,” Hanes said.

EARLIER REPORT

A West Liberty group home for children in foster care is in jeopardy of losing its license, according to the CEO of the Adriel group home Todd Hanes.

Hanes said Adriel received a letter dated Jan. 24 from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, due to some situations that happened in the past at the facility in the Logan County village.

This news organization has a copy of the 11-page letter and will update this report.

According to the CEO, the group home will have an opportunity to respond to the letter during a hearing, which he says the organization plans to request within 30 days.

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