Despite repeated reports of abuse at residential treatment facility Wordsworth, child welfare officials were slow to act, court records and state Department of Human Services reports show.
2015
Nov. 21
A 15-year-old girl is attacked by two others over rumors that she had a sexual relationship with staffer Isaac Outten.
Nov. 23
After the girl tells her counselor the rumors are true, Wordsworth suspends Outten, alerts the state abuse hotline Childline, and puts a safety plan in place.
Nov. 30
The city Department of Human Services asks Wordsworth to investigate Outten’s alleged sexual abuse of the girl and whether staff negligence allowed it to happen.
Dec. 1
The girl tells police that Outten took her to the center’s basement for sex and promised her money for diapers and milk for her 1-year-old child.
Dec. 2
Licensing representatives with the state Department of Human Services inspect Wordsworth and find no violations.
Dec. 4
A 17-year-old girl tells police Outten had sex with her in the basement and in her room and promised to help her with a court case.
Dec. 9
Another girl, 17, tells police Outten had sex with her.
Dec. 14
In reply to the city DHS inquiry about Outten, Wordsworth says the matter “remains an allegation at this time.”
Dec. 29
State DHS renews Wordsworth’s license.
2016
Jan. 22
The agency says its investigation reveals that Outten abused the 15-year-old girl.
April 4
A DHS violation report documents Outten’s abuse of three girls.
Aug. 4
Wordsworth offers a “plan of correction” to prevent rapes and seeks state approval.
Oct. 17
A staffer improperly restrains a child in a 10-minute struggle requiring two other staffers to intervene. Wordsworth does not submit a timely written report to DHS as required by law.
Oct. 17
DHS approves Wordsworth’s rape-prevention plan.
Oct. 25
Wordsworth appeals the shutdown.
SOURCES: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; Philadelphia Department of Human Services; court document