New petition filed in case against Agape
Full Text
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF CEDAR COUNTY
TWENTY-EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
The State of Missouri, ex rel. )
Attorney General Eric S. Schmitt, and )
)
The Missouri Department of Social )
Services; )
)
Plaintiffs, )
v. ) Case No. ___
)
Agapé Baptist Church Inc., d/b/a )
Agapé Boarding School; )
)
Defendant. )
VERIFIED PETITION FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
- This action seeks an injunction to cease operations at Agapé Boarding
School and remove the children there to safety. - The children should be removed for at least four reasons: (1) the State
has received reports from current Agapé students regarding abuse and neglect by
current Agapé staff members, including painful physical restraints and prolonged
handcuffing; (2) the State has received corroborating reports from former Agapé
students regarding abuse and neglect by current Agapé staff members; (3) multiple
current Agapé staff members have been found by the Missouri Department of Social
Services (DSS) to have committed abuse or neglect against Agapé students, and one
current Agapé staff member is facing criminal assault charges for actions against
Agapé students; and (4) multiple individuals listed on the most recent Agapé
“Employee list” have not completed mandatory criminal background checks pursuant
to § 210.1263, RSMo.
2 - But for DSS employees currently present 24 hours a day at the facility,
the Attorney General and DSS believe that the abuse and neglect would be occurring
now and that the conduct will return as soon as DSS employees are no longer in the
facility to ensure safety. - Evidence obtained by the State throughout its investigation, especially
in September 2022, demonstrates an immediate health or safety concern for the
children at Agapé and must be considered by a Court. - This action also seeks a temporary injunction to preserve the status quo
and prevent Agapé Boarding School from moving children and attempting to evade
accountability while continuing to endanger children. - The State has learned from Agapé’s director that Agapé plans to change
away from a boarding school-type facility. Starting Tuesday, September 27, 2022,
the boys will be in five group homes on the property with an intention of nine boys
per home. - At least one new entity has been recently formed by two individuals on
the most recent Agapé employee list for the purpose of “Home for Troubled Youth.” - Agapé’s director also reported that at least 12 individuals on the most
recent employee list would no longer be working at Agapé after Monday, September
26, 2022. - Agapé thus far has sought to evade accountability by only taking action
when absolutely necessary. For example, Agapé allowed a then-current staff
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member, who had been added to the state’s Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry, to
remain on its property and its employee list until exposed by the State. - Agapé also has sought to evade accountability by providing incomplete
information about the individuals with access to children and adults who reside on
the Agapé property or work in the residential care facility. - Survivors of Agapé continue to experience physical and mental health
concerns resulting from their time at Agapé. The physical and mental health effects
from the victims’ time in Agapé did not end when they left the facility, but continues
to affect their lives. - Additional information and allegations are still being uncovered by the
Attorney General and DSS, including but not limited to additional recent allegations
of children being handcuffed for days, not only individually with their hands cuffed
behind their backs, but also handcuffed to other children. - Agapé’s operation of a residential care facility must cease because of
multiple violations of § 210.1271, including that it presents an immediate health and
safety concern for the children residing at Agapé and because Agapé has failed to
comply with the requirement that certain individuals must successfully complete a
background check as required by state law. §§ 210.493, 210.1263, and 210.1271,
RSMo.
Nature of Action - In the summer of 2021, the passage of House Bill Nos. 557 and 560
(collectively, “HB 557”) “close[d] a loophole in [Missouri’s] child protection system that
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had gone unaddressed for decades.” Press Release, “Governor Parson signs bill aimed
at addressing abuse in unlicensed youth residential facilities,” Missouri KidsFirst
(July 14, 2021), available at: tinyurl.com/dh2t3aup. Ex. A. The new law keeps more
of Missouri’s children safe from abuse and neglect. - The Attorney General of Missouri and DSS have received credible
information that Agapé Boarding School is violating the prohibitions of HB 557. The
Attorney General and DSS seek immediate injunctive relief to put an end to this
safety concern and protect children from abuse and neglect.
Parties - Plaintiff State of Missouri is a sovereign State of the United States of
America. - Eric S. Schmitt is the 43rd Attorney General of the State of Missouri
and brings this action in his official capacity pursuant to Chapter 27. Attorney
General Schmitt is authorized to “institute, in the name and on the behalf of the state,
all civil suits and other proceedings at law or in equity requisite or necessary to
protect the rights and interests of the state, and enforce any and all rights, interests
or claims against any and all persons, firms, or corporations in whatever court or
jurisdiction such action may be necessary, and he may also appear and interplead,
answer or defend, in any proceeding or tribunal in which the state’s interests are
involved.” § 27.060, RSMo. - As the Supreme Court has explained, “The attorney general has the
authority ‘to seek enforcement of the legislature’s statutory purpose.’” State ex rel.
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Hawley v. Pilot Travel Centers, LLC, 558 S.W.2d 22, 30 (Mo. banc 2018), quoting Fogle
v. State, 295 S.W.23d 504, 510 (Mo. App. W.D. 2009). - The “Attorney General, both because of his statutory and common law
powers, is a proper party to bring an action for the state . . . which would prevent
injury to the general welfare.” State ex. rel. Taylor v. Wade, 231 S.W.2d 179, 182 (Mo.
banc 1950). - State law explicitly vests Attorney General Schmitt with authority to
“seek injunctive relief to cease the operation of the residential care facility and
provide for the appropriate removal of the children from the residential care facility
and placement in the custody of the parent or legal guardian or any other appropriate
individual or entity in the discretion of the court, refer the matter to the juvenile
officer of the appropriate county for appropriate proceedings under chapter 211, or
other orders as the court determines appropriate to ensure the health and safety of
the children.” § 210.1271, RSMo. - Attorney General Schmitt sues to ensure the health and safety of
children by commencing actions for violations of Chapter 210. § 210.1271, RSMo. - Plaintiff Missouri Department of Social Services is a state agency
authorized to establish the child welfare system for the entire state and to conduct
investigations regarding allegations of abuse and/or neglect of children. §§ 207.020,
210.109 through 210.188, RSMo. - State law also explicitly vests DSS with authority to: administer the
program for conducting background checks of certain persons associated with license-
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exempt residential care facilities, to determine whether these persons are eligible for
employment or presence at these facilities, and to seek injunctive relief to cease the
operation of residential care facilities, and provide for the appropriate removal of the
children or other appropriate relief. §§ 210.493, 210.1250 through 210.1286,
210.1271, RSMo, and 13 CSR 35-71.010, 35-71.015, and 35-71.300. - DSS sues to ensure the health and safety of children and to enforce the
requirement that Agapé comply with mandatory background check requirements by
commencing actions for violations of Chapter 210. § 210.1271, RSMo. - Defendant Agapé Baptist Church Inc., d/b/a Agapé Boarding School
(herein, “Agapé”) is a license-exempt residential care facility located in Cedar County,
Missouri.
Jurisdiction and Venue - This Court has subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction over
this action under Art. V, § 14 of the Missouri Constitution and § 506.500, RSMo. - Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to § 210.1271, RSMo.
- This Court may grant injunctive relief pursuant to § 210.1271, RSMo
Statutory Background - In 2021, the Missouri General Assembly passed House Bill Nos. 557 and
560 (collectively, “HB 557”), which enacted 16 new sections relating to the protection
of children. H.B. 557 & 560, 101st Gen. Assem., 1 Reg. Sess. (Mo. 2021). Ex. B.
Governor Parson signed the bill into law on July 14, 2021, and it became effective
immediately. Id. (“Because immediate action is necessary to protect children, Section
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A of this act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health,
welfare, peace, and safety, and is hereby declared to be an emergency act within the
meaning of the constitution, and section A of this act shall be in full force and effect
upon its passage and approval.”). - HB 557 provides that covered residential care facilities otherwise
exempt from obtaining an operating license must comply with certain requirements,
including: (1) Notify DSS that they are operating in the state (§§ 210.1256-210.1263);
(2) Pass fire, safety, health, and sanitary inspections (§ 210.1265); and (3) Have
qualifying staff and residents over the age of 18 pass fingerprint background checks
(§ 210.1263). The law further specifies that the authority and responsibility to
administer the background checks and to determine whether certain individuals are
eligible to be present at a residential care facility rests with DSS. §§ 210.493.5,
210.493.6, 210.493.9, RSMo, and 13 CSR 35.71.010, 35-71.015, and 35-71.300. - Additionally, HB 557 has an enforcement mechanism in § 210.1271.
Section 210.1271, RSMo grants both the Attorney General’s Office and DSS authority
to seek injunctive relief in Court to remove children from the facility or cease the
facility’s operations. § 210.1271. The statute provides four grounds for the Attorney
General’s Office or DSS to seek such relief. Relevant here are the third and fourth
grounds: “Failing to comply with background checks as required by section 210.493[,]”
and “An immediate health or safety concern for the children at the residential care
facility.” § 210.1271.1(3) and (4). The Plaintiffs have brought this action because the
Defendant has failed to comply with the background checks as required by § 210.493,
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RSMo, and because there exists an immediate health and safety concern for the
children at Agapé. - “Immediate” means “acting or being without the intervention of another
object, cause, or agency” or “occurring, acting, or accomplished without loss of time.”
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary (1966); Bus. Aviation, LLC v. Dir. of
Revenue, 579 S.W.3d 212, 218 (Mo. banc 2019) (undefined statutory terms given
dictionary definition). “Concern” means “a matter that engages a person’s attention,
interest, or care” and “worry, solicitude, or anxiety.” Webster’s Third New
International Dictionary (1966). By the plain meaning of “concern,” that word is
likely less severe than words like “danger” or “risk.” - Some Missouri courts over the years have interpreted “immediate” or
variations of that phrase. Bateman v. Rinehart, 391 S.W.3d 441, 451 (Mo. banc 2013)
(“Commercial use cannot be considered “immediate” when the taxing authority
admits that such use is “improbable” for more than a year.”); State v. Bruner, No. SD
33982, 2016 WL 4130831, at *4 (Mo. App. S.D. 2016) (holding that in the self-defense
context, “immediate” means “instant, without the passage of time … [t]he mere
possibility that an event may happen in the future does not create an immediate
danger”); Elliott v. Keith, 32 Mo. App. 579, 580 (Mo. App. 1888) (“immediate” means
“without intervention of time”).
Factual Allegations
Recent allegations of conduct by Agapé staff that continues to raise
immediate concern for health and safety of children at Agapé
9 - The sheer number of staff whose conduct toward residents has directly
raised immediate concerns regarding the health and safety of the children at Agapé
and may constitute child abuse or neglect, including physical and emotional abuse, is
remarkable. Contemporaneously, current residents continue to independently
describe similar conduct in their interviews with Children’s Division (CD).1
a. Current Staff Member 5 picked up resident L.L. and slammed him
through a door that was magnetically locked, then restrained L.L. on the ground for
about 40 minutes according to independent accounts by residents A.A., T.M., F.F.,
H.H., and J.J. By all accounts, L.L. was hurt from the incident.
b. Former staff picked up resident Z.C. and slammed him onto the
ground according to A.A.
c. Resident M.C. was put into handcuffs for refusing to do jumping jacks
as witnessed by A.A. Resident H.H. saw Current Staff Member 5 punch M.C.
Resident C.F. saw Current Staff Member 5 punch M.C. in the stomach while other
staff held M.C. Afterward, M.C. was put in handcuffs for approximately two weeks.
M.C. had depressions on his arm after the handcuffs were removed. Resident J.J.
also reported the handcuffing of M.C. and stated that M.C. was not allowed to remove
the handcuffs except to go to the bathroom and that M.C. had to sleep in the
handcuffs.
1 Agapé staff members are identified numerically. Current residents of Agapé are identified by initials not
associated with their names to protect the child’s identity. Concern was expressed by most, if not all, residents who
spoke with a DSS investigator that they were fearful of retaliation by Agapé for speaking with DSS.
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d. Resident B.B. reported being pushed into a wall by Current Staff
Member 5 and then being restrained by his arms and legs.
e. Resident T.M. reported being handcuffed for four days at the direction
of Current Staff Member 5. Current Staff Member 2 and Current Staff Member 3
assisted with placing the handcuffs on T.M. He reported he was handcuffed for four
days with the handcuffs being placed behind his back. T.M. said he only got them off
to use the restroom. T.M. said the handcuffs left marks on his wrists and his left
thumb still does not feel normal. G.G. also reported T.M.’s handcuff punishment and
said he too was placed in handcuffs and had to sleep in them. G.G. said resident G.W.
had to wear handcuffs for seven or eight days.
f. Current resident D.D. described being made to complete extreme
exercise requirements such as 1,000 pushups and 250 pushups as punishment and
witnessing other residents having to wear handcuffs for days, including sleeping in
them.
g. H.H. reported Current Staff Member 5 ordered resident T.H. to wear
handcuffs for 100 hours and by the time they were removed, T.H.’s hands were blue
and bloodied. K.K. also mentioned the handcuffing of T.H. and both H.H. and K.K.
said T.H. did not do anything to deserve punishment.
h. H.H. and J.J. both described an uprising at the facility where resident
A.B. broke a window and then was restrained on top of the glass from the broken
window. H.H. said A.B. and two others were restrained that night and they all had
“fat bruises” on their triceps and behind their knees.
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i. C.F. described how resident J.E. was manhandled, dragged, and
pushed around by staff for no apparent reason. Another resident, M.M., has his shoes
taken away for over a week. When M.M. wrote a letter to his parents, it was torn up
by Current Staff Member 5.
f. Current residents repeatedly expressed fear of retaliation for speaking
with CD, including fear of being demoted to “Brown town” and not being allowed to
contact their parents. H.H. wrote reminder notes for his meeting with CD but was
so fearful of reprisal that he hid his notes in his shoe in case he were searched by
Agapé staff prior to his meeting with CD. Some reported staff discouraging a
resident from speaking to CD. Current residents reported prior to CD being on site,
they would not have been allowed to use the phone to make calls or participate in
other activities. Seven of the 11 residents interviewed in the past week reported
living conditions are much better since CD has been present at the facility. - The State continues to receive reports from current and former Agapé
students relating to abuse and neglect by Agapé staff. - Agapé continues to employ staff who have exhibited conduct toward
residents that may rise to the level of child abuse or neglect. Absent relief from this
court, once DSS staff are no longer in the facility, the conduct previously exhibited by
current staff at Agapé directly raises immediate concerns, and there exists an
immediate concern for the health and safety of the children at Agapé.
Other individuals with access to children whose conduct raises concern for
health and safety of the children at Agapé and may rise to the level of child
abuse and neglect
12 - The Attorney General’s Office and DSS have exposed other concerning
allegations at Agapé that also constitute an “immediate health or safety concern”
under § 210.1271.1(4) and are consistent with the pattern of abuse reported by
current students during interviews since the State first initiated action against
Agapé. - According to the most recent census report submitted by Agapé on
September 22, 2022, five staff members who are responsible for conduct that directly
raises immediate concerns about the health and safety of the residents at Agapé and
may rise to the level of child abuse or neglect, remain employed at the facility. - In the summer of 2020, resident J.P. cried after staff ripped up letters
he received from his “paw-pa” and he was demoted to “Brown town” for threatening
to hurt staff for doing so. Brown town was the designation given to the lowest level
in a hierarchy of levels at Agapé. In Brown town, residents were assigned excessive
physical exercises every day and simultaneously suffered food restriction and
deprivation, as well as water deprivation. Current Staff Member 1 was one of several
staff who restrained J.P. for an hour and a half. As a result of that restraint, J.P.
suffered large bruises lining his left arm from the bicep to the forearm, and bruises
on his right side and ankles. J.P.’s mother saw J.P. after the restraint and observed
the bruises. - Another resident, E.E., was running as discipline and when he couldn’t
continue, Current Staff Member 1 threw E.E. against the wall and began applying
pressure to E.E.’s shoulder. He lifted E.E. into the air and slammed him on the
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ground. While taking E.E. to the ground, Staff Member 1 landed on E.E.’s shoulder
and then began pressing his elbow into E.E.’s shoulder. Days later, E.E. received
medical care and the injury to his shoulder required E.E.’s arm to be a sling for three
months. - Current Staff Member 2 restrained resident J.P. for approximately two
hours. J.P. suffered a large bruise on his low back area as a result of the restraint.
Further, staff members, including Current Staff Member 2, used their elbows to dig
into the muscles of J.P.’s arms and he experienced numbness and the inability to use
his fingers as a result of the staff’s conduct. - Current Staff Member 3’s conduct toward at least three residents, J.P.,
N.B., and Z.C., creates a direct concern regarding the immediate health and safety of
the residents. Current Staff Member 3 restrained J.P. for two hours and dug his
elbows into J.P.’s arm muscles to the point J.P. experienced numbness and the
inability to use his fingers. J.P. suffered a large bruise on his lower back attributed
to Current Staff Member 3’s restraint. - Current Staff Member 3 restrained N.B. while other staff used their
elbows and knees on pressure points on N.B.’s arms and legs such that N.B. lost
feeling in his arms and legs. N.B.’s legs swelled and he sustained large bruises. As
a result of such restraints, N.B. was diagnosed with ulnar nerve neuropathy which is
consistent with physical abuse.
14 - Current Staff Member 3 restrained yet another resident, Z.C., and Z.C.
suffered severe bruising on his arms as a result and subsequent difficulty using his
arms. - Current Staff Member 4 is the medical coordinator for Agapé and he
forcefully scrubbed tattoos off of the residents using rubbing alcohol and a Brillo (steel
wool) pad which resulted in scarring. - Current Staff Member 5 directs the facility, is intimately familiar with
its structure and operation, participates in the management, and was fully aware of
and condoned, if not promoted, Brown town. Current Staff Member 5’s conduct
regarding W.S., who was a resident who suffered significant weight loss as a result
of his time in Brown town, creates a direct concern of an immediate threat of health
and safety of the residents. W.S.’s weight loss was documented as malnourishment
by the child advocacy center. W.S. reportedly resorted to stealing food from the
facility to stave off starvation. - In addition to perpetrating Brown town and its deprivations and
extreme physical requirements, in an attempt to put G.W. in the “apartment,”
Current Staff Member 5 grabbed resident G.W.’s hair on the right side of his head
and slammed his head onto the tile floor multiple times. As G.W. was restrained by
other staff, Current Staff Member 5 then put his knee on G.W.’s head and into G.W.’s
arms. G.W.’s ear swelled two to three times its normal size and puss oozed from the
back of his ear. G.W. suffered heavy bruising to his arms and a loss of feeling and
numbness in his fingers and right hand for weeks afterwards.
15 - Current Staff Member 5 was part of the staff group who “restrained”
J.P. for an hour and a half after staff ripped up letters from J.P.’s “paw-pa.” Current
Staff Member 5 caused bruising on J.P.’s left bicep to his forearm and bruising on his
right arm and his ankles. - Z.C. suffered severe bruising on his arms and difficulty using his arms
after restraints by Current Staff Member 5. Excessive use of force with elbows and
knees during restraints was designed to increase pain and induce compliance, not to
prevent injury and safeguard students. - Resident E.E. was slammed into the wall by staff before being taken to
the intake room where Current Staff Member 5 tossed E.E. onto the ground. Current
Staff Member 5 then used his elbow to strike E.E.’s head causing E.E.’s head to hit
the wall. E.E. was injured by Current Staff Member 5 and other staff in this incident
and in the restraints where staff, including Current Staff Member 5, used their
elbows and knees to apply pressure. - Staff Member A was previously employed with Agapé and although no
longer employed, continues to reside on the property according to the September 8,
2022 census provided by Agapé. While employed with Agapé, Staff Member A placed
his knees on resident G.W.’s upper arms during a restraint causing G.W. to sustain
dark bruises that lasted for approximately four weeks. Staff Member A’s additional
pressure during restraints increased the pain suffered by G.W.
16 - Current employee Scott Dumar is subject to felony assault charges in
case number 21CD-CR00359 arising out of acts toward residents in the course of his
employment at Agapé. - Other Agapé staff who were found to have abused the residents have
reportedly left the employment and the property of Agapé. In addition, the following
individuals were employed by Agapé and due to acts involving residents during their
employment, are now subject to felony assault charges: State v. Seth Duncan, 21CDCR00361; State v. Trent Hartman, 21CD-CR00360; State v. Christopher McElroy,
21CD-CR00358; State v. Everett Graves, 21CD-CR00362. Former employee David
Smock has pending felony charges for 4 counts of 1st degree statutory sodomy,
attempted 2nd degree statutory sodomy, sexual misconduct, child molestation, and
stalking, all arising from his acts toward residents during his employment at Agapé.
See State v. Smock, 21CD-CR00485. - Agapé’s prior and continued disregard for the conduct of its employees
toward the children at Agapé, conduct believed to rise to the level of child abuse or
neglect, raises serious and immediate concerns for the health and safety of the
children at Agapé Boarding School and gives cause to grant the relief sought by
Attorney General and DSS so that the safety of children can be ensured as required
by § 210.1271, RSMo.
Individuals living and working at Agapé who were not reported to DSS and
have not undergone background checks - On August 18, 2022, pursuant to § 210.1264, RSMo, a census request
was sent to Agapé Boarding School by email and by United States mail requesting “a
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list of the names of all children currently at your facility; and the names of all current
employees, officers, managers, adult residents, volunteers with access to any children
at the facility, and any other adults who may have unsupervised access to children at
the facility by August 23, 2022.” Ex. J. - On August 22, 2022, Agapé provided responsive documents to DSS. One
such document was titled “ABS ~ Students” (Ex. K) and the other titled “Agape
Employee List.” Ex. S. The State has separately filed a motion to seal Exhibits K
and S and will submit them to the Court if that motion is granted. - On September 8, 2022, another Census Request was presented to Agapé
demanding the facility to immediately provide DSS with “a list of the names of all
children currently at your facility, with their dates of birth, states of residence, and
parental contact information” as well as an updated “list of the names of all current
employees, officers, managers, adults residing at the property, volunteers with access
to any children at the facility, and any other adults who may have unsupervised
access to children at the facility.” Ex. L. - This request was made after the filing of Cedar County Circuit Court
Case No. 22CD-CV00394 when Agapé was well aware that Agapé Staff A was
ineligible for employment or presence at Agapé pursuant to the letter they received
on September 7, 2022. Ex. H. - On September 8, 2022, Agapé provided responsive documents to DSS.
One document titled “Agape Student,” dated “9/8/2022 12:48” (Ex. M) and the other
titled “Agape Employee list” which continued to be dated “August 2022.” Ex. I. The
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State has separately filed a motion to seal Exhibits I and M and will submit them to
the Court if that motion is granted. - The September 8, 2022 Agapé Student List (Ex. M) provided by Agapé
did not include states of residence for each child as requested by DSS (Ex. L) pursuant
to § 210.1264, RSMo. - The September 8, 2022 roster (Ex. I) also included five other current
Agapé employees who CD determined by a preponderance of the evidence perpetrated
abuse and neglect at Agapé Boarding School, but who requested an Administrative
Appeal of the CD’s preliminary findings. - The September 8, 2022 roster provided by Agapé (Ex. I) also included
additional information than the August 22, 2022 roster provided by Agapé (Ex. S).
On both occasions, DSS made a similar request for information under § 210.1264. On
August 22, 2022, Agapé only provided employee names. On September 8, 2022,
Agapé provided a list with at least five more names, but did not distinguish any
individual’s status, such as who was an employee, adult resident, or volunteer with
access to any children at the facility. - Agapé’s withholding of information from DSS on August 22, 2022,
regarding who has access to the children at Agapé and the presence of such
individuals working at a residential care facility constitutes an “immediate health or
safety concern” under § 210.1271.1(4). - Agapé’s withholding of information from DSS on September 8, 2022,
regarding who has access to the children at Agapé and the presence of such
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individuals working at a residential care facility constitutes an “immediate health or
safety concern” under § 210.1271.1(4). - On September 22, 2022, another Census Request was presented to
Agapé. Ex. V. - The September 22, 2022 response provided by Agapé is attached as
Exhibits T and U. - Agape’s student census (Ex. T) was down to 53 students, one notable
missing student was J.S. This student had turned 18 between the September 8
Student Census (Ex. M) and the September 22 Student Census (Ex. T). - Agapé’s September 22, 2022 response contained an “Employee list” with
the same names as the September 8, 2022 list except that, of importance to this
litigation, Agapé Staff A and Individual 13 were not included. - Individual 14, Individual 15, and Individual 16 were not included in Ex.
U though they were listed on the prior two “Agape Employee lists.” (Ex. I and Ex. S). - The September 22, 2022 Employee list (Ex. U) also included five other
current Agapé employees who CDdetermined by a preponderance of the evidence
perpetrated abuse and neglect at Agapé Boarding School, but who requested an
Administrative Appeal of the CD’s preliminary findings. - Agapé’s director reported to DSS that any staff member with a mark
beside their name on the census would no longer be working at Agapé after Monday,
September 26, 2022. The State counted at least 12 names with marks beside them.
20 - Upon information and belief, Agapé employs at least one other employee
who works with students but whose name was not included on the September 8, 2022
census (Ex. I). - Plaintiffs allege upon information and belief that Agapé filed two
previous License Exempt Residential Care Facility Notification Forms, both signed
by the director, attesting that the information contained in the notice and the
supplemental materials was true, accurate, complete, and subject to the penalties of
perjury without disclosing non-employee adult residents at the facility as required
by§ 210.1262(2) and 13 CSR 35-71.300(5). Ex. N and Ex. O. - Agape has made no attempts to submit a proper License Exempt
Residential Care Facility Notification Form. - Section 210.493.2, RSMo, requires officers, managers, contractors,
volunteers with access to children, employees, and other support staff of residential
care facilities subject to the notification requirements under sections 210.1250 to
210.1286; any person eighteen years of age or older who resides at or on the property
of such residential care facility; any person who has unsupervised contact with a
resident of the residential care facility; and owners of such residential care facilities
who will have access to the facilities to successfully complete background checks with
DSS. - Section 210.493, RSMo, was enacted as emergency legislation because
the General Assembly declared its protections necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public health, welfare, peace, and safety.
21 - As of the filing of this petition, Agapé continues to be noncompliant with
the requirements of § 210.493.2, RSMo. - Nine of the individuals who were listed on the September 8, 2022,
“Agape Employee list” (Ex. I) had not applied for an eligibility determination, had not
completed the background check process, or had been deemed ineligible to be present
at the facility as a result of background screening. Those individuals include:
Individual 6, Individual 7, Individual 8, Individual 9, Individual 10, Individual 11,
Individual 12, Agapé Staff A, and Individual 13. Two of these individuals are no
longer included on the September 22, 2022 “Agape Employee list.” - Seven of the individuals who were listed on the September 22, 2022,
“Agape Employee list” (Ex. U) have not applied for an eligibility determination or
have not completed the background check process. Those individuals include:
Individual 6, Individual 7, Individual 8, Individual 9, Individual 10, Individual 11,
and Individual 12. - Agapé is aware of the requirements of § 210.493.2, RSMo, and had
previously been granted extensions to allow additional time for applications for
background checks and fingerprints to be submitted. At the request of Agapé, on
March 31, 2022, DSS granted Agapé a blanket extension to the phase-in period up to
and including June 30, 2022. Ex. P. - On June 29, 2022, upon request by Agapé, Agapé was granted an
extension by DSS which specifically stated and advised:
“An extension for any employee with background check
applications pending is granted. Please remember if your agency
22
has employees that have not begun the background check process
by June 30, 2022, those employees will no longer be eligible for
employment until they complete the background check process
and you receive the eligibility letter. Also as of July 1, 2022, any
new hired employees must complete the background check
process prior to beginning employment. The phase-in period of an
agency continuing to hire without an eligibility letter ends on
June 30, 2022.”
Ex. Q. - All extensions have lapsed for those who did not begin their background
check application by June 30, 2022. - Individual 6, Individual 8, Individual 10, Individual 11, and Individual
12 were added to the September 8, 2022 census (Ex. I) as adult residents residing at
the facility or property with their associated spouse and they remain on the most
recent census received September 22, 2022 (Ex. U). Individual 8 and Individual 12
have never submitted an application for a background check as required by
§ 210.493.2, RSMo. On September 21, 2021, Individual 6, Individual 10, and
Individual 11 applied for background checks, though no eligibility determinations
have been made. - Individual 9 has been listed on all censuses received by DSS as well as
listed on both License Exempt Residential Care Facility Notification Forms
submitted to DSS by Agape’s Director as a “Driver” for Agapé (Ex. N and Ex. O), but
has at no time submitted an application for a background check as required by
§ 210.493.2, RSMo. - Individual 13 was listed on Ex. I and Ex. G, but ceased to be listed on
the September 22, 2022 “Agape Employee list” (Ex. U), during their tenure with
23
Agape at no time did they submit an application for a background check as required
by § 210.493.2, RSMo. - Individual 7 is listed as a current employee in all three employee census
lists provided by Agapé (Ex. I, Ex. S, and Ex. U) and had submitted an application
for a background check on August 5, 2022, but has failed to follow through with the
fingerprinting requirements. - Without a completed application, an eligibility decision has not been
made regarding Individual 7, and at this time, Individual 7 is not eligible for
employment or presence at Agapé since his incomplete application is not covered by
any extension. - Individual 7’s continued presence at Agapé, as witnessed by DSS staff
at Agapé in the past weeks, is a clear violation of §§ 210.493 and 210.1263, RSMo.
This violation constitutes grounds for relief under § 210.1271.1(3) and is an
“immediate health or safety concern” under § 210.1271, RSMo. - No current extension for completion of background check applications
and fingerprint submissions cover Individual 6, Individual 7, Individual 8, Individual
9, Individual 10, Individual 11, or Individual 12. - Agapé remains non-compliant with §§ 210.493 and 210.1263, RSMo,
because there are no pending exceptions or pending extensions for the seven
individuals who have failed to submit to a background check or the requirements
therein.
24 - Plaintiffs have just been made aware that J.S., the newly 18 year
old ex-Agape student, submitted an application for a background check September
22, 2022 citing Agape as the LERCF he was affiliated with. J.S. applied as a “current
employee” and used 12998 E 1400 Road Stockton, MO 65785 (Agape) for J.S.’s current
physical address. - Agape did not include J.S. on their “Agape employee list”
provided to DSS on September 22, 2022 (Ex. U) nor did Agape note he was an adult
resident residing at the facility. Agape continues to provide incomplete information
to each and every request for census made by DSS. This continued resistance to and
utter disregard for following the laws enacted to protect the welfare of children
presents an immediate health and safety concern for the children at Agape. - Further, J.S.’s background check is pending and no eligibility
determination has been made so at this time, J.S. is not eligible for employment or
presence at Agape. J.S.’s continued presence at Agapé is a clear violation of §§
210.493 and 210.1263, RSMo. This violation constitutes grounds for relief under §
210.1271.1(3) and is an “immediate health or safety concern” under § 210.1271,
RSMo. - Section 210.1283, RSMo, criminalizes the failure to complete a
background check as described under §§ 210.493 and 210.1263, RSMo. - The purpose of § 210.493, RSMo, and the “Residential Care Facility
Notification Act” is to ensure the safety of children at residential care facilities by
conducting independent background checks to determine if employees, volunteers
25
with access to children, adult residents living on the property of the facility have been
found guilty or pled guilty to certain enumerated offenses, to determine whether they
are registered or required to be registered on a state sex offender registry, or if they
are listed as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect on Missouri’s central registry (or
another state’s registry or database). § 210.493.11, RSMo. DSS is the entity tasked
with conducting background check pursuant to § 210.1256.1, RSMo. Conducting
thorough, complete, and independent background checks is one of the procedures that
the General Assembly has mandated to ensure the safety and health of children in
residential facilities. - The failure of Agapé to comply with the background check requirements
and the presence of individuals who are ineligible for employment or presence at
Agapé means that the safety and health of children at Agapé cannot be ensured at
this time. - Agapé’s withholding of information from the State on August 22, 2022
and September 8, 2022 regarding who has access to the children at Agapé constitutes
an “immediate health of safety concern” under § 210.1271. - The culmination of all of these facts leads the Attorney General and DSS
to believe that relief should be granted pursuant to § 210.1271.
Agapé Staff A on Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry - DSS’s CD has determined, by a preponderance of the evidence, that
some current and former Agapé employees perpetrated abuse or neglect at Agapé
26
Boarding School. Some of those current and former Agapé employees have appealed
the findings to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board. - One individual, Agapé Staff A, declined to appeal the findings by the
September 6, 2022 appellate deadline, and the findings became final on September 7,
2022. - Once findings are final, the individual is placed on the Child
Abuse/Neglect Central Registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect. - On September 7, 2022, Agapé Staff A became listed on the Child
Abuse/Neglect Central Registry as a perpetrator of child abuse. 13 CSR 35-
31.025(3)(B). - On August 22, 2022, DSS obtained a roster of current Agapé employees
pursuant to its authority under § 210.1264, RSMo. See Ex. S. The roster included
Agapé Staff A. - Missouri law prohibits individuals from working or being present at a
residential care facility, or from living on the property of such residential care facility
if they have substantiated findings of child abuse or neglect or appear on the Child
Abuse/Neglect Central Registry. § 210.493, RSMo. (An applicant shall be “ineligible
for employment or presence” at a residential care facility if he is “listed as a
perpetrator of child abuse and neglect under sections 210.109 to 210.183 or any other
finding of child abuse or neglect based on any other state’s registry or database,” Id.
at § 210.493.11(4) (emphasis added)).
27 - At 9:19 a.m. on September 7, 2022, CD sent an email and letter to Agapé
Boarding School at its official email address notifying Agapé that Agapé Staff A was
placed on the Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry for a substantiated finding of
physical abuse. A copy of the letter was also sent by mail. See Ex. H. Such
notification is consistent with CD’s normal practice of notifying a license-exempt
facility when a current employee has been found to have perpetrated abuse or neglect
at the facility. As of the date of this filing, neither the Children’s Division nor the
Department of Social Services have received a written response from Agapé. - On September 8, 2022, Agapé’s director Bryan Clemensen, verbally
reported that Agapé Staff A was fired “yesterday” (September 7, 2022), but still
resided on the Agapé property in close proximity to children at Agapé. - After hearing Agapé’s report that it had fired Agapé Staff A on
September 7, 2022, and that Agapé Staff A was still present on the property, on
September 8, 2022, DSS obtained a roster of current Agapé employees, individuals
with access to Agapé children, and adults who reside on the Agapé property.
§ 210.1264, RSMo. See Ex. I. - Agapé Staff A was included on the September 8, 2022 roster that Agapé
provided to DSS. See Ex. I. - On September 8, 2022, Agapé Staff A, who is listed on the State’s Child
Abuse/Neglect Central Registry, was present at Agapé and had access to Agapé
children.
28 - Missouri law prohibits individuals from working or being present at a
residential care facility, or from residing on the property of such residential care
facility of they have substantiated findings of child abuse or neglect or appear on the
Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry. § 210.493, RSMo. - The presence of such an individual at a residential care facility
constitutes an “immediate health or safety concern” under § 210.1271. See also
§ 210.493, RSMo. - Agapé’s delay in removing Agapé Staff A from the facility after the
listing on the State’s Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry constitutes an immediate
health or safety concern because it reflects on Agapé’s judgment and practices.
Use of Physical Restraints in a Manner that Causes Immediate Concern for
the Health and Safety of Children at Agapé - Upon information and belief, staff have used and would continue to use,
if DSS staff were not currently in the facility, physical restraints in a manner that
has caused physical injury to residents in the past, and which now causes immediate
concern for the health and safety of the children at Agapé. - Agapé outlines its policies around “Behavior & Discipline” in the Agapé
Boarding School Parent Handbook, available at parenthandbook.pdf
(agapeboardingschool.org). A copy of the Parent Handbook is attached as Ex. R. - According to pages 10-11 of the Parent Handbook (Ex. R), the “Various
Consequences” to unwanted behaviors are: - Verbal Correction
- 10 pushups-The standard discipline for all rule or norm
infractions is ten (10) pushups
29 - 20 pushups- If the student talks back or displays negative
attitude when given “ten”; the staff member or ranking student
may give another 10(20). - Write-up- If the student continues talking back or continues
to display negative attitude past 20 pushups a “write up” turned
into the dean of men is the next step. ”Write-ups” can be for
documentation of a student’s negative behavior or an “FYI” for
the dean of men/ Agapé to be aware of and consequences then
given. - 20 or more pushups- consequence only to be given out by staff
- 8-counts- consequence to be performed in place of pushups (10-
20-write-up) for more serious infractions, Dean of men may give
out more than 20 following a write-up. - Wall Time- student standing facing a wall with encouraging
scripture help; giving them a “personal time-out” to regain focus
or composure and are reviewed daily by the dean. - Time Out- Time spent under direct supervision of a staff
member + 1 more individual in the event of extreme negative (or
struggling) behavior in our time-out room. - Packets- A list of various academic basics to be written by
student as a help/reminder to show self-control in school, initially
starting at 1 per infraction and more added/subtracted based on
behavior + school principal approval to help remind student of our
expectations in school. - Demotion/Promotion- Agapé Behavior Scale demonstrates
the levels a student goes through during his stay at Agapé
Page 11, Agapé Boarding School Parent Handbook, Ex. R. - According to the Parent Handbook, “Agape staff members are trained
and certified by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). The Crisis Prevention Institute
is a globally recognized organization that teaches professionals to safely manage
students who could be prone to anxious or aggressive behavior in a safe, professional,
manner.” Ex. R, p. 20. The Parent Handbook further assures parents in bold type
that, “Agape has a strict ‘hands off’ policy regarding the students. This
includes unruly students. Agape staff do not use corporal punishment.” Ex.
R, p. 20 (emphasis in original).
30 - Techniques adopted by Agapé and its staff are inconsistent with the
course of instruction provided by CPI. CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention 2nd Edition
with Advanced Physical Skills defines “restraint” as:
“. . . a measure or condition that keeps someone or something
under control or within limits that may include environmental
and/or physical ways to manage a prevailing or perceived risk.
Any physical hold or restraint utilized must be used as a last
resort, and only when the specific danger that behavior/condition
poses to self and/or others outweighs the risk of the hold or
restraint. Staff should choose the least restrictive approach for
the situation and constantly assess for the earliest safe
opportunity to disengage.” - According to the CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention 2nd Edition with
Advanced Physical Skills, overview of the risks of physical restraints:
“Despite any legal and professional justification, restrictive
interventions are not free from risk, and as such professional staff
have a duty of care to minimize the psychological and
physiological adverse outcomes that are associated with such
practice. When using restrictive interventions to manage the
risks associated with an individual’s behavior, staff face the
dilemma that the specific intervention used may compromise the
welfare and safety of those involved, and as such it is important
that restrictive interventions are applied within a context of best
practice in order to minimize harm.”
Id. at p. 69. - According to the CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention 2nd Edition with
Advanced Physical Skills, Figure 3: Best-Practice Indicators states, in part:
“As part of a restraint-reduction strategy, restrictive
interventions should be used only when all other non-restrictive
interventions have failed to manage the prevailing risk.
Restrictive interventions should never be used as a punishment,
to force control, gain compliance, or enforce rules.”
Id. at p. 72
31 - According to the CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention 2nd Edition with
Advanced Physical Skills, Figure 3: Best-Practice Indicators, prolonged restraints are
discouraged. “In any situation where a physical restrain exceeds 10 minutes, staff
must take all reasonable actions to end the restraint and seek an alternative nonrestrictive intervention.” Id. at p. 73. - Instead of a restraint technique used to prevent injury and safeguard
students, the techniques employed are instead used as a pain compliance form of
punishment and discipline by Agapé. Staff Member 5 told CD during a January 21,
2021 in-person interview initiated by the CD that the restraints they do at Agapé are
three-people restraints at best, but can be done with two. There are two guys on the
arms and one on the legs. The restraints are supposed to hurt to discourage the kids
from acting out again. According to Staff Member 5, he was trained in JCMT in 2002.
JCMT is the restraint program they do at Agapé. Agapé leadership has firsthand
knowledge of improper restraints yet they continue to allow the practice to continue
at Agapé. - Agapé’s restraint practices directly contradict the “Best-Practice
Indicator” as taught by CPI, and directly contradicts the “hands off” policy set forth
in Agapé’s Parent Handbook. Ex. R, p. 20. - Conduct by Agapé staff members set forth in paragraphs 34-54 give rise
to concerns that Agapé staff are restraining students in a manner that contradicts
CPI training as well as Agapé’s own Parent Handbook. The conduct may also rise to
the level of child abuse or neglect in that it often results in injury, and the described
32
restraints raise serious immediate concerns for the health and safety of the children
at Agapé.
Criminal Charges and Recommended Charges based upon Conduct by
Current and Prior Agapé Staff - On March 22, 2021, Governor Mike Parson directed the Attorney
General’s Office to assist in an investigation of Agapé. Judy L. Thomas and Laura
Bauer, Missouri reform school investigation grows: Parson directs AG to investigate,
Kansas City Star (Mar. 23, 2021), available at: tinyurl.com/ycys2zs3. Ex. C. - Approximately four months later, in August 2021, Attorney General
Eric Schmitt recommended criminal charges against 22 current and former
employees of Agapé with 65 counts on behalf of 36 victims, including felonies for
abuse of a child and tampering with a victim, and misdemeanors for endangering the
welfare of a child and failure to report child abuse. Letter from Missouri Attorney
General Eric S. Schmitt to Missouri Governor Michael Parson (Sept. 23, 2021). Ex.
D. - The Attorney General’s Office was prevented from filing these charges
against 21 of the 22 current and former employees of Agapé because the Cedar County
prosecuting attorney retained jurisdiction and control over the cases. - In September 2021, the Cedar County prosecuting attorney filed
criminal charges against five Agapé employees—far fewer than the number of
charges recommended by the Attorney General. Five Missouri boarding school
employees charged with abuse, AP (Sept. 28, 2021), available at:
tinyurl.com/2p8upxz5. Ex. E. One individual charged by the Cedar County
33
prosecuting attorney is currently employed by Agapé and was listed on the most
recent census report submitted by Agapé on September 22, 2022. - For the 22nd current or former employee of Agapé, the circuit court
appointed the Vernon County prosecuting attorney as a special prosecutor due to a
conflict. The Vernon County prosecutor requested the Attorney General’s assistance
in prosecuting the case. - On December 29, 2021, the Vernon County prosecuting attorney and
Attorney General Eric Schmitt announced eight felony charges had been filed against
the 22nd current or former employee of Agapé, a doctor in Cedar County. The doctor
no longer works at Agapé. Press Release, “Attorney General’s Office, Special
Prosecutor File Eight Felony Charges Against David Smock, Including First and
Second Degree Statutory Sodomy,” Missouri Attorney General’s Office (Dec. 29,
2021), available at: tinyurl.com/yxy5t6s7. Ex. F. - According to a federal indictment unsealed on August 30, 2022, Julio
Sandoval, former dean of students at Agapé Boarding School, allegedly handcuffed
and forcibly transported a minor from California to Agapé in August 2021. Press
Release, “Department of Justice, Arrests Made For Transportation of Fresno County
Teen to School in Missouri,” (Aug. 31, 2022), available at: tinyurl.com/ycxpxvu2. - There has been a long history of allegations of abuse and neglect at
Agapé, and those allegations have been recently coming to public attention and DSS’s
attention. Many child abuse and neglect allegations take years to come to light; a
34
critical mass of allegations coming to light at the same time is sufficient to constitute
an “immediate health or safety concern” under § 210.1271. - DSS alleges Agapé students have suffered physical abuse through
physical restraints, extreme workouts, long days of manual labor, food and water
withheld as punishment, constant berating and mind games, and sexual abuse. - Agapé students, others close to the school, and at least one mental
health professional have reported concerns to law enforcement and the state about
possible abuse. - On information and belief, Cedar County Sheriff’s Department employs
at least three people who work or previously worked at Agapé, including two full-time
deputies. One deputy is a former Agapé student and is married to the daughter of
Agapé founder James Clemensen. Clemensen’s granddaughter was a sheriff’s
dispatcher in 2018 and 2019, and is married to the son of the doctor who previously
provided medical care for Agapé students. Two deputies work off-duty for Safe, Sound
Secure Youth Ministries, a company that parents can hire to transport their children
to Agapé. Safe, Sound Secure Youth Ministries is owned by Julio Sandoval, former
dean of students at Agapé, who has occasionally worked shifts at the county jail.
Another deputy worked off-duty security for Agapé. - As of July 1, 2022, Agapé is no longer accredited by the Association for
Christian Teachers in School and the National Council for Private School
Accreditation, citing evidence that students at Agapé have been abused. AlvizGransee, Agape Boarding School in Stockton loses accreditations amid sexual abuse
35
investigations, Columbia Missourian (Jul. 18, 2022), available at:
tinyurl.com/yzv7p785. Ex. G. - Agapé has failed over many years to stem the tide of abuse and neglect
perpetrated at their school and ensure the health and safety of their students. - The culmination of all of these facts leads the Attorney General and the
Department of Social Services to believe that Agapé Boarding School should be closed
pursuant to § 210.1271. No other relief ensures the safety of the children residing at
Agapé.
Agapé’s suspected attempt to evade judicial review - Counsel for the State became aware on September 23, 2022 of
information provided by Agapé’s director in a conversation with a DSS employee the
afternoon of September 22, 2022. DSS had requested an updated student and
employee census pursuant to § 210.1264, RSMo. - Agapé’s director reported that Agapé will have a max of 45 boys by
Tuesday, September 27, 2022. There were 53 boys listed on the September 22, 2022
census. Ex. T. - Agapé’s director further reported that any staff member with a mark
beside their name on the census would no longer be working at Agapé after Monday,
September 26, 2022. The State counted at least 12 names with marks beside them. - Finally, Agapé’s director reported that the program is changing away
from a boarding school-type facility. Starting Tuesday, September 27, 2022, the boys
will be in five group homes on the property with an intention of nine boys per home.
36 - Separately, counsel for the State learned late afternoon on Wednesday,
September 21, 2022, that DSS received that morning a license-exempt residential
facility application from Stone of Help. According to records filed with the Secretary
of State’s Office, two individuals currently listed on the Agapé employee list
incorporated Stone of Help on September 15, 2022 for the purpose of “Home for
Troubled Youth.” The address for Stone of Help and the two listed owners is on the
Agapé property and adjacent to the current Agapé Boarding School. - DSS employees present at the Agapé facility have heard students
talking about being moved early next week. - The State has not received further information from Agapé regarding
these planned changes. - The State will not allow Agapé to escape accountability or continue to
present an immediate health and safety concern to children through corporate shell
games while employing the same people and methods that originally led the State to
bring this action to protect children.
The Plaintiffs Will Suffer Immediate and Irreparable Injury, Loss, or
Damage in the Absence of the Relief Requested - The State of Missouri as parens patriae has a long-standing, compelling
interest to protect children and to act in their best interests. Cannon v. Cannon, 280
S.W.3d 79, 81 (Mo. banc 2009); Thomason v. SCAN Volunteer Services, Inc. 85 F.3d
1365, 1371-1372 (8th Cir. 1996) (quoting Myers v. Morris, 810 F.2d 1437, 1462 (8th
Cir. 1987); accord Stanley v. Hutchinson, 12 F.4th 834, 840-841 (8th Cir. 2021). The
State has few, if any, interests more important than protecting children from abuse.
37
C.S. vv. Missouri Dept. of Social Services, 491 S.W.3d 636, 656 (Mo. App. W.D 2016).
The provisions of HB 557 (2021) that the Plaintiffs seek to enforce in this action are
for the protection of children found within the state and must be liberally construed
so as to provide the public protection intended by the General Assembly. Frye v. Levy,
440 S.W.3d 405, 412 (Mo. banc 2014). Courts are not to subordinate the purpose of
the law to protect children to the interests of alleged perpetrators of child abuse or
neglect. Id. at 412-413. - The Department of Social Services has statutory authority to establish
the child protection system for the entire state and to conduct investigations of
reports of child abuse and neglect. §§ 207.020, 210.109.1, and 210.109 through
210.188; see generally Chapters 210 and 211, RSMo. - The Department of Social Services has the statutory authority and
responsibility to establish, implement and enforce: the requirement that licenseexempt residential care facilities such as Agapé notify the Department of Social
Services of their operations in Missouri, the requirement that certain persons
associated with license-exempt residential care facilities complete background checks
as required by law, to determine whether those individuals are eligible for presence
or employment at those facilities, and to seek injunctive relief when these laws have
been violated. §§ 210.493, 210.1250 through 210.1286 and especially 210.1271 RSMo. - The State, through the Department and the Attorney General, has the
authority to seek enforcement of the legislature’s statutory purpose, and that is
especially true when the legislature has expressly provided by law that the state has
38
the authority to seek injunctive relief against license-exempt residential care
facilities to enforce the background check requirements and to protect children when
there is a concern for the health or safety of children served by the facility. State ex
rel. Hawley v. Pilot Travel Ctrs., LLC, 558 S.W.3d 22 (Mo. banc 2018). - The legislature expressly authorized Plaintiffs to seek and this court to
enter injunctive relief against a license-exempt residential care facility for violations
of law. § 210.1271, RSMo. - The Plaintiffs will suffer immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or
damage as parens patriae if the Plaintiffs are not afforded the relief requested, based
on the allegations of fact and law specified in the other allegations in this Petition,
for reasons that include, but are not limited to:
a. The State has real, immediate concerns regarding the health and
safety of the children at Agapé;
b. The State has real, immediate concerns that children may be subject
to further incidents of abuse or neglect, or may be victims of criminal
conduct at Agapé;
c. The Department of Social Services will be unable to enforce the law
requiring certain individuals on the premises of Defendant Agapé
successfully complete the background checks and to determine
whether individuals are eligible for presence or employment at
Agapé;
39
d. In light of the past conduct, failure to comply with the law up to the
present time and the current conditions the Department of Social
Services has real, immediate concerns that children at Agapé may be
subject to current and future incidents of child abuse or neglect, and
their health and safety cannot be assured, should the Department
personnel be withdrawn from their current presence at the facility;
e. The State of Missouri, including the Department of Social Services
and the Children’s Division, can reasonably be expected to expend
significant time and money in providing additional services and
treatment, including receiving children for foster care and
conducting additional child abuse and neglect investigations if more
reports of child abuse and neglect at Agapé are received;
f. The State of Missouri and the Plaintiffs, in its role as parens patriae
suffers an immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage
whenever a child within its borders is abused, neglected or is subject
to circumstances in which the child is at risk of abuse or neglect; and
when those responsible for the care, custody, control and supervision
of children fail to comply with their duties under law to act in a way
that protects the best interests and safety of children; and when the
State is prevented from performing its duties under law to protect
the safety and health of children.
40
g. The State has real, immediate concerns that children will be moved
into facilities without DSS access or knowledge, where they will be
endangered by the same people and methods that initially led the
State to take action.
h. The State has real, immediate concerns that Agapé is attempting to
move children, change its structure, and create new corporate
entities to attempt to evade judicial review and accountability for its
abuse and neglect and the immediate health and safety concerns it
continues to pose to children.
Count I – Request for Injunctive Relief - Petitioner incorporates by reference all preceding paragraphs.
- An immediate health or safety concern for the children at Agapé exists
based on reports from current Agapé students regarding abuse and neglect by current
Agapé staff members. - An immediate health or safety concern for the children at Agapé exists
based on reports from former Agapé students regarding abuse and neglect by current
Agapé staff members. - An immediate health or safety concern for the children at Agapé exists
based on at least five current Agapé staff members having been found by DSS to have
committed abuse or neglect against Agapé students, and one current Agapé staff
member is facing criminal assault charges for actions against Agapé students.
41 - An immediate health or safety concern for the children at Agapé exists
based on at least seven individuals listed on the most recent Agapé “Employee list”
having not completed mandatory criminal background checks. - An immediate health or safety concern for the children at Agapé exists
based on incomplete information provided by Agapé about the individuals that it
employs, that have access to the children, or that are present at the Agapé facility. - An immediate health or safety concern for the children at Agapé exists
based on the apparent change in corporate structure and approach at the facility,
which appears intended to evade judicial review and accountability for abuse and
neglect. - Notice to Agapé would defeat the purpose of the order because the State
has concern that Agapé would move children or take other action to evade judicial
review before the order could be issued. - An immediate health or safety concern for the children at Agapé exists
based on Agapé’s handling of a staff member being added to the state’s Child
Abuse/Neglect Central Registry for abuse of a child at the Agapé facility. Even after
Agapé was made aware of the staff member’s listing, Agapé continued to include the
staff member on its employee list and allowed him to reside at the facility until
exposed by the State. - Missouri law prohibits individuals from working or being present at a
residential care facility if they have substantiated findings of child abuse or appear
on the Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry. § 210.493, RSMo. (An applicant shall
42
be ineligible for employment or presence at a residential care facility if he is “listed
as a perpetrator of child abuse and neglect under sections 210.109 to 210.183 or any
other finding of child abuse or neglect based on any other state’s registry or database,”
Id. at § 210.493.11(4).) - Agapé’s harboring of an individual who is listed on the state’s Children
Abuse/Neglect Central Registry, constitutes an “immediate health or safety concern”
under § 210.1271. - Agapé employs and harbors other individuals who present an immediate
health and safety concern for children residing at Agapé. - Agapé employs and allows to be present around students at least seven
individuals who have not completed required background checks required by
§ 210.493, and thus Agapé has violated § 210.1271.1(3). - Current residents repeatedly expressed fear of retaliation for speaking
with DSS and describe conduct that may constitute child abuse or neglect. This
conduct raises immediate concerns for the health and safety of the children at Agapé. - Several civil lawsuits involving current Agapé employees allege conduct
that could be abuse or neglect, specifically physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
involving prior students of Agapé. - The Attorney General’s Office has uncovered evidence of criminal
activity and DSS has uncovered evidence of child abuse and neglect at Agapé, which
together also constitutes an “immediate health or safety concern” under § 210.1271.
43 - Accordingly, Plaintiffs are entitled to injunctive relief pursuant to
§ 210.1271, RSMo, ceasing the operation of Agapé Boarding School or any relief
necessary to ensure the safety of children, because the people of Missouri’s rights are
threatened, an adequate remedy cannot be afforded by an action for damages, the
legislative purpose in enacting these provisions has been frustrated by Defendant’s
unlawful conduct, and Plaintiffs and the people of Missouri will be irreparably
harmed in the absence of injunctive relief. - The Children’s Division certifies to the court that it has a suitable,
temporary emergency placement for the children; it is contrary to the welfare of the
child to remain in the residential care facility; the Division believes that the parents
or legal guardians of the children are not immediately available to take physical
custody of the child within that time; and that the Division believes that there is no
other temporary, suitable placement for the children.
Conclusion
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request that this Court:
a. Cease the operation of Agapé Boarding School and provide for the
appropriate removal of the children from Agapé Boarding School
and placement in the custody of the parent or legal guardian or
any other appropriate individual or entity in the discretion of the
court;
b. Refer the matter to the juvenile officer of Cedar County—or such
other juvenile officers as needed due to the volume of children
44
residing at Agapé Boarding School—for the appropriate
proceedings under Chapter 211;
c. Enter an order directing Agapé Boarding School to immediately
produce to Children’s Division all records (medical, educational)
and contact information for the children’s parents or legal
guardians.
d. Enter an order allowing a Children’s Division worker to arrange
an assessment of the child’s health, safety, and well-being,
including medical and child advocacy center evaluations;
e. To place the children at Agapé Boarding School in the temporary
custody of the Children’s Division until their legal guardian
arrives or refuses to pick up the child, in which case the children
would remain in the legal custody of the Children’s Division;
f. Issue a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction and
permanent injunction prevent Agapé Boarding School from
moving students to new corporate entities that are mere
continuations of Agapé Boarding School;
g. Enter an order directing Agapé Boarding School to provide 24/7
access to DSS workers to ensure the health and safety of the
children without notice;
h. Enter a final judgment in Plaintiffs’ favor on all Counts in this
Petition for Injunctive Relief; and
45
i. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and
proper under the circumstances to ensure the health and safety
of the students at Agapé Boarding School.
Dated: September 26, 2022 Respectfully submitted, ERIC S. SCHMITT
Missouri Attorney General
/s/ Justin D. Smith
Justin D. Smith, #63253
First Assistant Attorney General
James S. Atkins, #61214
General Counsel
Jason Lewis, #66725
Assistant Attorney General
Maddie M. Green, #73724
Assistant Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General
Supreme Court Building
207 W. High Street
P.O. Box 899
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 751-8870
(573) 751-0774 (fax)
Maddie.Green@ago.mo.gov
Counsel for Plaintiffs
