A Critical Examination of State Agency Investigations into ...

Initially, reports indicated that Jonathan’s placement was “extremely positive”and “an appropriate placement.” However, the reports also noted that Jonathan stillexhibited maladaptive behaviors such as “flopping,” “bolting” ( running or wanderingaway from staff) and “aggressiveness” (hitting or biting staff and students).A Birch Cottage bedroom similar to Jonathan’s room in 2004.On a “good day,” as described in Jonathan’s records, Jonathan would eat lunch inthe cafeteria with other children, follow instructions well, play with his toy cars, butwould nonetheless display maladaptive behaviors such as occasional bolting andflopping, as well as wetting himself several times. He’d watch a Barney video and talk tohis parents on the phone. Behavior swings were common, and good days were oftenfollowed by “bad days,” on which Jonathan would flop repeatedly, bolt for the door, takeoff his clothes, bite staff and attack other children.57