Kidz Ark (Colorado) RTC License Pulled

“The Colorado Department of Human Services has issued a summary suspension of the licenses for the Kidz Ark facilities in Sterling and New Raymer. The facilities are owned by Jay and Linda Littlefield.

The children who lived at the therapeutic residential childcare facility are being relocated. According to CDHS spokeswoman Liz McDonough, the children came from counties all over Colorado,and the county offices are responsible for finding alternate placements for the children. She said that as of Friday afternoon, only six children remained at the facility. CDHS staff are on site and will remain there until the last child is removed from Kidz Ark. Families of the children are being contacted to let them know about the moves, and those with questions can talk to their case worker, McDonough said.

McDonough said the licenses were suspended because the department believes the facility poses a “substantial danger” to public health and welfare, and has committed willful violation of licensing requirements.

“This is not an action that we undertake lightly,” she said. She noted that while the move is disruptive to the residents, “our first priority is to ensure the kids are safe.”

She noted that both the Logan County Human Services office and the Logan County Sheriff`s Office are investigating. Social Services Director Fred Crawford said he could not comment on the situation. No one from the LCSO could be reached for comment.

McDonough said that allegations include abuse and neglect, as well as improper training and failure to report abuse. She said the facility has also provided false information to CDHS.

The order required licenses for both facilities to be surrendered. The Littlefields are banned from undertaking any activity which requires a childcare license, McDonough said. After the county investigations are complete, a licensing hearing will be held to determine whether they can get their license back.

After press time, Linda Littlefield responded to the Journal-Advocate’s request for comment. She said they plan to contest the suspension of their license. “We do not believe the state has sufficient grounds to (suspend the license,” she said, adding that they had not had time to review or respond to the complaint.

According to the Kidz Ark website, the facility serves 60 residents and day treatment clients, ages 10 to 18, on a daily basis. Many of the clients are developmentally or emotionally delayed, and the majority have been violently abused or grossly neglected, the website reads.

“Providing hospitality, healing, heart and hope” is listed as the facility`s mission. “With a philosophy of ‘unconditional love + accountability,` Kidz Ark believes in the rights and dignity of individuals and families and the sanctity of all human life,” states the online description. It also says Kidz Ark follows CARF (The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission)standards.”

Kidz Ark residential facility licenses pulled
[Journal-Advocate 7/15/11 by Sarah Waite]

“The New Raymer facilities is a ranch for boys, according to the Kidz Ark website.”

“The Kidz Ark website describes the company as a therapeutic residential child care facility, specializing in the treatment of troubled children. Children being treated range in age from 10 to 18, according to the Kidz Ark website.

“We have specific qualifications and experiences which enable us to meet the needs of severely damaged children, including children with developmental disabilities,” the website states. “The majority of all our kids have been violently abused or grossly neglected.”

2 Logan County Residential Child Care Centers Shut Down
[ABC 7 7/15/11 by Wayne Harrison]

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