Complaint Investigation Report

The investigation revealed the following: Regarding allegations: Staff hit client with an object and Staff yelled at client. It is alleged staff #1(S1) hit C1 on top of the head with a plastic water bottle while shouting “get out of there”. Interviews with clients revealed 2 out of 5 clients interviewed stated that S1 has yelled at clients at times to redirect the clients. 1 out of the 2 stated to have witness the incident and S1 did tap C1 in the head with a water bottle that contained water in it. 2 out of 5 clients stated S1 treats clients with respect. 1 out of 5 clients was unable to be interviewed due to cognitive issues. Interviews with staff revealed the following, 1 out of 5 staff interviewed stated to have witnessed the incident and S1 was attempting to redirect C1 from eating from the trash can. C1 did not use a proper technique to redirect C1 by tapping C1 with a water bottle that contained water in it and yelling to get out of there. Staff stated it was out of character for S1 to react in that matter. Clients are not afraid of S1 and usually engaged with S1 in a positive way. If staff has used a loud tone of voice it has been to redirect clients and not in a malicious way. During interview with S1, S1 admitted to have tap C1 with the water bottle in the head as S1 was trying to redirect C1 from eating from the trash can and yell to “get out of the way and out of there”. Regional Center Services Coordinator was present at the time of the incident and witness S1 use the water bottle that contained water to tap C1 on the head and yell at C1. There is no history of recurrent behavior by S1. S1 has received training on client rights in 2017.

Based on LPAs observations and interviews which were conducted record review(s), the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation(s) is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6 and Chapter 1 are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

Exit interview was conducted with Greg Tillman and provided a copy of this report, LIC 9099D, and appeal rights.