DHS investigation finds negligence, maltreatment at Austin children’s group home

(ABC 6 News) – A children’s group home in Austin, Nexus Gerard Family Healing, was investigated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services for suspected maltreatment after a reported incident in January.

The reported incident was on January 15, it was reported to DHS that a 12-year-old had their right arm between the elbow and shoulder, the humerus, fractured during a physical interaction with staff, and that injury required surgery to repair.

DHS conducted interviews with the child, staff members, and reviewed surveillance video at the facility.

It was determined that substantiated neglect and serious maltreatment occurred.

The Facility, Nexus Gerard Family Healing, completed an internal review and determined that policies and procedures were "adequate but were not followed" the facility issued corrective action to the staff member and additional training.

The Department of Human Services, Officer of Inspector General has disqualified that staff from "a position allowing direct contact with, or access to, persons receiving services from programs, organizations, and/or agencies that are required to have individuals complete a background study by the Department of Human Services."

Click here for the full report from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.