Child Welfare Authorities Investigate Whether Nursing Home Neglect Was Cause of 12-Year-Old Resident’s Burn Injuries
A nursing home that cares for adult and child residents has agreed to place a “monitor” at its children’s nursing station following allegations that a 12-year-old disabled foster child sustained burn injuries because she was the victim of nursing home negligence. Workers at the nursing home deny hurting the girl.
The girl has cerebral palsy. While Department of Children & Families administrator Alan Abramowitz has said that the child was a victim of neglect at the Florida Club Care Center, an investigator for the Agency for Health Care Administration says that she found no evidence showing that the girl had burns.
Dr. Michael Strong, a pediatrician with the Child Protection Team, has criticized the investigator for her “lack of due diligence” when investigating the incident. He believes that the girl got burned because she was neglected.
The team reportedly examined the girl and verified that her thigh and hand had second-degree burns. Strong expressed worry that other residents could be in danger unless action was taken to prevent further negligence. Police are investigating the case.
This is not the first time that the Florida Club Care Center has come under fire for alleged abuse or neglect. There have been eight previous reports of nursing home neglect or abuse involving young residents. None of these reports were ever verified. However, allegations included physical injury, inadequate supervision, and failure to provide medical care.
The home has been reported 66 times for alleged nursing home negligence or abuse of adults. Only four allegations could be confirmed. Investigations into other allegations found some signs of neglect or abuse, but there was not enough evidence to confirm that the incidents happened.
Recently, however, the Florida Club Care Center which houses 35 special needs children, has received high ratings for quality of life and care.
Three agencies probe child's burns, MIami Herald, October 3, 2008
Second-Degree Burns, Penn State
Related Web Resource:
Nursing Homes for Kids, ABC News
In Illinois, please contact the Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates, PC today and ask for your free consultation with an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer.
