Commission gives rehab center 30 days to appeal
A state agency has revoked the license of an El Paso center that runs a rehabilitation program to get youths off of drugs. But KIDS of El Paso County Inc. can continue operating while it appeals the revocation. The revocation is a result of an investigation completed earlier this year by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Austin. The investigation was prompted by people who complained that KIDS staff members physically and emotionally abused clients. *** executive director of the commission revoked the KIDS state license on Thursday. The revocation is to take effect in 30 days if KIDS does not appeal the decision, *** said in a written statement issued by his office. *** an Austin attorney for KIDS said the decision will be appealed. The appeal will be made to the commission's board of commissioners. Earlier this year, the commission's investigators said they found 56 violations in the way the program operated. The commission ordered KIDS to correct the violations or lose its license."The basis for the revocation in violation of the commission's licensure standards, including standards related to client rights and client treatment," *** said. The investigators said violations by KIDS staff included striking clients, using abusive language, punishing patients by depriving them of sleep, and not providing a humane and safe environment. On May 12, KIDS filed a 50-page response to the commission's findings. In the response, most of the violations were refuted, Cox said. Last month, KIDS officials said clients are not abused but that sometimes-minimal force is used to handle the disruptive behavior of clients. KIDS officials also said the state investigation was slanted to look only for problems in the program.KIDS programs are styled after treatment programs run by Alcoholics Anonymous. The thrust of KIDS is getting youths off drugs and alcohol. But KIDS also offers treatment for behavioral problems and eating disorders. It has operated here for more than two years. ***, founder, and president of KIDS Centers of America Inc. told t*** in 1987 that the program is designed to be tough on substance abusers. But youths are not kept against their will, he said.
AT A GLANCE
- THE DIRECTOR of the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Austin on Thursday revoked the state license of KIDS of El Paso County Inc.
- KIDS, A drug rehabilitation center for youths, can remain in operation while it appeals the revocation.
- A COMMISSION investigation of KIDS was done earlier this year after people complained that KIDS employees physically and emotionally abused clients.
