Group Home Closed After License Revoked

(Lafayette, LA) -- The state has revoked the operating license of a Lafayette group home after citing multiple infractions. The state Department of Social Services says it informed the Vermilion Group Home of the decision earlier this week. The 16-bed facility was accommodating seven children when the notice was given. According to the DSS notice, the facility was found to have committed infractions that included inadequate supervision, failure to report in a timely manner that residents escaped from the facility, failure to complete performance evaluations for staff members, and failure to provide timely and competent medical care. The Vermilion Group Home is operated by the Baton Rouge-based Harmony Center, which has 15 days from the date of the notice to appeal the decision. Officials with the Harmony Center have been unavailable for comment.