Complaint Investigation Report

Staff deny the allegation. Interviews with S1-S3 revealed that staff do not neglect clients in care. Staff stated that clients are not outside at all hours of the night, slamming garbage cans and doors, playing loud music or blasting the TV. Staff stated that clients in care are respectful of the neighbors and do not engage in inappropriate behavior. Clients typically go to bed around 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. because some of them work and others go to programs early in the morning. Watching television and playing music are allowed and clients use moderate volume. Staff also stated that facility has a trash schedule which requires staff to dispose of bags till after 8:00 a.m. to prevent neighbors from being bothered by the garbage can slamming in the evenings. Staff indicated that no fires have been set in the backyard and no calls have had to be made to the local fire department to put out any fires in or around the home. Staff indicated that some clients smoke cigarettes but use the designated area in the backyard which is away from the neighboring property. Staff further indicated that the facility is a specialized home in which staff are trained to help clients manage their behavior. Staff stated that clients in care are highly functioning and respect their home and their community. Interviews with (3) out of (4) clients revealed that they are not engaging in inappropriate behaviors due to staff neglect. Clients indicated that they do not stay out late nor make loud noises. Clients also indicated that staff are responsive to their needs and provide them with care accordingly. Clients stated that fires have not been set in the backyard or anywhere around the home. Clients further indicated that all clients in care get along with the neighbors and would not do anything to bother them. LPA conducted inspection of the front and backyard and did not find any evidence of fire damage or recent repairs due to fire damage. Backyard has a designated smoking area in which ashtrays are provided. The department has not received any video footage or photos of these incidents to corroborate the allegations.

Staff and client interviews and LPA observations could not corroborate the allegation that clients are engaging in inappropriate behavior due to staff neglect. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is no preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated . An exit interview was conducted with Eric Howard, Administrator and a copy of this report was provided.