Disability Rights Ohio, Buckeye Ranch reach agreement on access to children at the facility
August 1, 2019 / access authority
Disability Rights Ohio and The Buckeye Ranch are pleased to announce a settlement agreement that will allow for a strong working relationship between the organizations as they seek to ensure the safety and care of children with disabilities. The settlement outlines DRO's access authority and the means by which its advocates will conduct abuse and neglect investigations going forward, minimizing interference into residents' school, therapy and activity schedules.
"Disability Rights Ohio is happy to have reached this important agreement with Buckeye Ranch," says DRO Director of Advocacy Kerstin Sjoberg. "With the health and safety of children with disabilities foremost in all of our minds, we are looking forward to working with Buckeye Ranch toward this goal."
"The Buckeye Ranch was founded to provide care for children almost 60 years ago. Our goal is the same as our colleagues at Disability Rights Ohio: ensuring the safety of children. We are excited to have reached an agreement that allows us both to live out our mission, and in a manner that supports the therapeutic environment for children," states Vickie Thompson-Sandy, CEO of The Buckeye Ranch.
For additional background information about this case, see DRO's previous press release.
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Disability Rights Ohio is designated under federal law as the Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program for the state of Ohio. The mission of Disability Rights Ohio is to advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities in Ohio. Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy and rights protection to a wide range of people with disabilities. Find more information at disabilityrightsohio.org.
The Buckeye Ranch is a private, non-profit organization that has been providing hope and healing for children and families, in Ohio, since 1961. The Ranch offers a wide variety of programs and services for children and their families designed to assist them in dealing with emotional, behavioral, mental health and substance abuse issues. The Ranch programs and services reflect the philosophy of treating every child and family with respect and dignity, and providing services to every youth regardless of race, color, nation of origin, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability. To learn more about The Buckeye Ranch, please visit www.buckeyeranch.org.