June 17, 1997

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Orchard Court of Jonesboro $10,000 because staff failed to intervene when a resident sexually attacked another resident. The 16-bed intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled is located in rural Jonesboro.

During an investigation, Department surveyors learned a staff member saw a 36-year-old male resident run into another resident's room and jump on top of him. The staffer attempted unsuccessfully to talk the man out of the room; put her arm on the man to encourage him to leave, but was pushed away; and then left to seek help.

Upon returning to the room, the employee found the man sexually molesting the other resident. The staff member yelled for him to stop, but did not physically intervene. The attacker did not leave the room until help arrived. Later that same morning, the resident attempted to molest another male resident.

A review of Orchard Court records found the facility was aware of the resident's aggressiveness with other male residents, but it never developed a plan to address the problem.

The facility was ordered to ensure a plan of care is prepared for each resident and staff are properly trained to handle emergency intervention.

Orchard Court has requested a hearing on the Department's action. The hearing date is Aug. 27th.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments