Complaint Investigation Report

The investigation revealed the following: Allegation- Staff handled resident in a rough manner.

The details of the complaint allege that facility staff slapped client (C1s) hands four times to prevent them from picking up cigarette butts off the ground and eating them. It was reported that when that happened the client’s facial expression would change to a frown. On 6/11/2026, from 1:00pm-3:30pm, the department interviewed staff (S1-S4) and clients (C1-C3) regarding the allegation. 4 of 4 staff denied the allegation that Staff handled resident in a rough manner.

All staff stated that they have never handled any client in a rough manner. All staff further stated that the client does tend to try and eat cigarette butts and other items off the ground. They stated that when they see (C1) trying to do that, they try and redirect (C1s) behavior to avoid them putting things in their mouth. But they stated at no time have they ever slapped (C1s) hand or ever hit any other client in care.

The department interviewed clients (C1-C3) about the allegation and 1 of 3 clients that were interviewed denied that staff has never hit or handled them in a rough manner. While the other clients were not able to participate in the interview process because of cognitive issues associated with their medical diagnosis.

The department reviewed the South Central Los Angeles Individual Program Plan (Dated:03/26/2026), Client Development Evaluation Report (Dated: 03/26/2025), Behavior Assessment and Service Plan (Dated: 03/01/2026), and observed that the client has a history of self-injurious behavior, nicotine dependency, and a desire to pick up disposed of cigarettes on the ground and place them in their mouth.

Based on interviews and records reviewed, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation that Staff handled resident in a rough manner. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated .

No citations were issued for this complaint investigation.

An exit interview was conducted with Christopher Aaron, Vice President, and a hard copy of this Complaint Investigation Report was provided.