Complaint Investigation Report

admissions agreements for all clients, termination letters for 3 staff, copy of unusual incident report and trainings provided to staff last three months.

The investigation revealed the following: Regarding allegation; Staff handled client roughly. It is alleged a staff pull client #1(C1) from couch and fell on the ground. LPA Flores attempted to interview client #1(C1), client #2(C2), and client #3(C3) but was unable as C1,C2,C3 are non-verbal and/or due to cognitive skills. During interviews with staff, 2 out of 4 staff stated that 2 staff have been terminated due to allegations of abuse towards the clients and 2 out of 4 staff were new and had not been aware of any abuse. On 4/1/21 facility submitted unusual incident report to the department via fax in which the following was stated, "staff was observed being physically and verbally aggressive with C1 by forcefully removing C1 off the couch to the ground". During the investigation, program manager stated 2 staff have been terminated after investigation of allegations regarding physical and verbal abuse. Program manager provided a copy of the termination letters, staff #5(S5) and staff #6(S6) were placed on disciplinary leave on 3/31/21 due to abuse allegations and terminated as of 4/6/21. Termination letter for previous administrator was also provided, who was terminated on March 19, 2021. LPA contacted South Central Regional Center, and Harbor Regional Center to request any reports or findings for their investigation. LPA left a message at quality assurance specialist department. On 8/31/21 LPA Flores obtained and reviewed a copy of video mentioned on incident report 4/1/21 "On 3/31/21 a video was brought to management attention..." Video shows C1 being pulled of the couch and falling in the ground and staff's behavior continuing.

Based on LPA's interviews, and records review conducted the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation(s) are found SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations Title 22, Division 6 and Chapter 8 are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

Exit interview was conducted with Program Manager, Monica Edualino. A copy of the report, LIC 9099D, and Appeal Rights was provided to the program manager.