LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Neighbors of a psychiatric residential treatment facility said they are concerned for their safety, as well as the safety of the children at the group home.
“I feel helpless,” Victor Padron, who lives next door said.
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Ignite Teen Treatment, which appears to be connected to Moriah Behavioral Health and Eden Teen Treatment, runs the facility located on Bahama Bay Court, near Spring Mountain Road and El Capitan Way.
“Unfortunately, it’s hell,” Kara Matthews said.
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Matthews, her husband, Michael, and their teen daughter live across the street. They said they did not realize there was a psychiatric facility in the house across from them until the day they moved in.
“When we were unloading the trucks, we noticed four police cars pull up to the house across the street and lead a girl in handcuffs up to the house,” Michael Matthews told the 8 News Now Investigators.
Neighbors provided video of screaming teens, emergency vehicles, and other activity in their cul-de-sac.
“I’m not safe!” a teen girl yelled as workers appeared to try to restrain her.
Neighbors of a psychiatric residential treatment facility said they are concerned for their safety, as well as the safety of the children at the group home. (KLAS)
“It’s traumatizing for the children who live in this neighborhood,” Kara Matthews said.
Las Vegas Metro police records show calls for service for assaults and batteries, abuse and neglect, suicide attempts, juvenile disturbances, runaways, and more.
“They need to have their own security,” Kara Matthews said. “I’m sorry, but you’re considered a psychiatric treatment facility, but somehow you can’t handle teenage girls who threatened to kill themselves, which obviously is something that happens quite frequently. Why is it that we are paying for that as a community?”
She provided a video of a hostile encounter with some teens, which she said occurred on Mother’s Day.
Kara Matthews provided a video of a hostile encounter with some teens, which she said occurred on Mother’s Day. (KLAS)
“I should not have to feel scared about being in my yard,” she said. “Now I’ve had to take precautions to have weapons by my front door to protect myself from children. That’s not okay. I’m a parent. I would never hurt a child, and so it puts you in a really horrible position.”
The state of Nevada sent the business of notice of revocation dated June 3. Inspectors said when they showed up to investigate a complaint in May, the business refused to provide access and cooperate.
Last year, inspectors noted a lack of fingerprints, tuberculosis testing, and physical exams for employees, along with failure to train about restraint, infectious control, and more.
State documents revealed the business said it was working to make corrections.
This year, inspectors noted a lack of documentation about medication as well as injuries, including stitches, along with a lack of documentation about an employee cursing at a teen.
“If the kids are running away all the time, they’re not getting what they need. If the staff are changing every week, they’re not getting what they need,” Kara Matthews said.
Neighbors said they reached out to the business and Clark County, but their requests for help were ignored.
Padron said he believed Commissioner Justin Jones, who represents the area, is to blame.
“He should not be approving a hospital to be in a residential area,” Padron said.
The 8 News Now Investigators requested an interview with Jones, which was not granted.
While the county handles business licensing, a county spokesperson still deferred to the Nevada Division of Public & Behavioral Health, which oversees healthcare facilities.
A spokesperson for the Nevada Health Authority sent the following statement:
“NVHA is committed to ensuring these facilities comply with quality standards outlined in state law and regulation. Accordingly, when concerns are raised, an investigation may occur. Any deficiency found during investigation is reported to the facility, and facilities have the opportunity to correct the identified deficiencies. Facilities must be afforded due process in enforcement actions. If the facility does not provide an acceptable plan of correction and follow-through to correct deficiencies, the facility may be subject to sanctions, suspension, or revocation of its license. NVHA works to ensure these facilities implement corrective actions promptly.”
The 8 News Now Investigators reached out to the business by emailing CEO Mendi Baron and his attorney, Mark Hutchings. Hutchings sent a response that did not address issues alleged by state inspectors or the neighbors.
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To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.
To look up a health facility in Nevada and find information about inspections and violations, click HERE.
To file a complaint against a Licensed Health Facility in Nevada, click HERE.
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