Complaint Investigation Report

All the staff stated they provided adequate food to the clients. They said staff cook different dishes daily and do not use microwavable meals to substitute for a healthy cooked meal. Staff indicated that clients may have seconds if they wish. Staff asks the clients weekly what they would like to eat, and the staff would go purchase the ingredients needed for the week. LPA observed weekly menus with clients’ food of choice and observed a variety of food options in the refrigerator and freezer. During 2 of the visits made, LPA observed home-cooked breakfasts with juice. Clients #1 and #2 came out to eat their meal and returned to their rooms. Client #3 had already left for school during the visits. Although 2 of the clients mentioned there is inadequate amount of food and choices, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate this allegation.

Staff do not treat clients with respect. It is alleged that staff yell, stare down at them, and use tone of voice that is disrespectful. Staff denied treating clients disrespectfully. They stated that they are trained to treat clients fairly and respectfully. All the staff stated that when staff ask them to do something, C1 and C2 would not comply and/or get verbally aggressive with the staff. When they tried to explain things to C1 and C2, they would not listen and slam the door to their rooms. Staff stated the clients would talk harshly and try to provoke staff to respond. Staff indicated they have been patient with the clients and understand the behaviors they could engage in. Staff denied ever yelling at the clients. They are careful in their tone of voice so they would not trigger any aggression from clients.

Staff is planting dangerous items in clients’ rooms. I t is alleged that clients found medications and a gutter knife in their rooms. Per the administrators, the police officer conducted a health and safety check due to a knife found in one of the client’s rooms. When the police showed up, the client stated there were no knives or weapons in their room, although they told staff that they found the knife in the room. As for medications found in the room, staff said that C1 found medications in C2’s which did not belong to the client. It was later verified that the client’s mother had given the client the medications. Staff stated they do not go into clients’ rooms when they are not home and would not plant any dangerous items in their rooms.

Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.

An exit interview was conducted with Administrator. A copy of this report along with the appeal rights were provided.