Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Questions asked about Theraputic Family Center part 2

As Nilz sat down, Nina Fallin asked to address the council.

Fallin and her family live directly in front of the TFSC. Fallin said she feels as if she were misinformed when the center first came to town.

"I was told it was a facility to hold children until they were adopted," said Fallin.

Fallin went on to inform the council of an incident that took place recently in her front yard.

"A few Saturdays ago my daughter Shelly was visiting, she had parked her car in my front yard on my property. Although it wasn't locked it was still on my property and no one should have went near it.

"My daughter walked outside at one point and saw a young man run into the neighbors yard and hide behind a pick up. She asked him what he was doing and he had the nerve to stand up, look her in the face and tell her he was playing laser tag.

"There wasn't anyone else around, so we know that was a lie. He then took off running down the street away from her and the center. Shelly then went to the TFSC and informed them of the incident. The woman working there told her that all 13 children were accounted for. We also knew that was a lie, because he hadn't had enough time to get in there," Fallin said.

"Did you say that all 13 were accounted for?" asked Franklin.

"Yes sir," said Fallin.

"Huh, that is more than we knew were housed over there," said Franklin.

Fallin continued, saying, "After talking to the woman at the TFSC, Shelly talked with the Gurdon Police who told her they would do what they could to get her 12 CD's, two pairs of expensive sunglasses and a cell phone jack back if possible, but there wasn't much else that could be done.

"I could tell you of several other incidents at the center, but I think you get the picture. I am uneasy because I keep my grandchildren on a regular basis, I don't feel safe about letting them play in my own yard," said Fallin.

Her daughter, Shelly, who was present said, " I don't understand how they can house children who are there as foster children with juvenile delinquents."

Childres said, "I've wondered that myself. I wonder how they stay safe."

"We can't do anything to a juvenile," said GPD officer Andy Williams.

"After the incident with the Fallin's last Saturday, that individual was shipped to a facility in Miller County. That's about all they do with them, just ship them to a different facility," Childres said.

Other citizens spoke up at once and said, nothing can be done until someone is raped or murdered.

City Councilman Sally Tarpley asked, "Who is the owner of the place?"

"Who knows" came from several voices in the crowd.

"We have all been kept in the dark."

"Well according to DHS, they are doing a good job over there," said Franklin.

"I would like to know who to contact at DHS and DYS if you don't mind Mr. Nilz," said City Recorder Treasurer Tambra Smith.

"I think DHS is concerned now," said Nilz, "If we all write a letter to them maybe it will make them get on the ball."

Doyle Herndon, who knew of the council meeting and about the concerned citizens being in attendance, is the Director of the Division of Children's Family Services (DCFS). This division is over the foster children sent to the TFSC. A letter can be sent to him at 700 South Main, Little Rock, Ark., 72203.

Roy Kendall is the Director of Youth Services, but no contact information was given for him.

Gary Staggs is the Chief Investigator for the internal affairs of the Department of Youth Services. He has been notified of the majority of incidents that have occurred at and around the facility.

"He has been very helpful and wants to hear from anyone with a complaint so it can be looked into. He can be reached at (501) 682-1714," said Nilz.

Nilz said all necessary people were aware of the incidents and he hoped something was done.

"We all know these children aren't capable of being around others. They tried to place them in the public school system and that didn't work. They then hired a teacher to work with them specifically and she couldn't take it either. I am not sure what they are doing now," Nilz said.

"I'm not sure how they go about hiring people to work with them anyway. Most of the employees don't have any special training. They just hired them off of the street," said Childres.

The discussion closed with the council members, Mayor Franklin and Marshall Childres being in agreement to write a letter or call all necessary parties.