The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has taken action after an NBC Connecticut Investigates report highlighted staffing concerns at the Solnit youth psychiatric facility in Middletown. The facility, which provides care for young people with mental health issues, has been the subject of complaints from employees who claim that understaffing has led to violent incidents.

Union Response

The union representing employees at Solnit, SEIU Local 1199, has been vocal about the need for increased staffing levels. The union claims that the facility is grossly understaffed, which has resulted in a number of violent incidents involving patients and staff. According to the union, these incidents have left several employees on workers’ compensation.

Following the NBC Connecticut Investigates report, the DCF commissioner met with employees and their union to discuss the staffing concerns. The meeting was originally scheduled for the following week but was moved up to this past Monday. The union would not discuss the details of the conversation, but DCF said in a statement that the meeting was part of its commitment to maintaining safe and adequate staffing levels.

Investigations

The Department of Social Services has an ongoing investigation involving Solnit, although the details of the investigation have not been disclosed. Additionally, a Department of Public Health investigation completed in March found that a Solnit employee was fired after physically abusing two patients.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.