Facility Evaluation Report

Licensing Program Analyst(s) (LPA) Mary Flores and Christian Gutierrez conducted an unannounced case management visit regarding incident reports submitted to the department on 2/2/24 and 2/7/24. LPAs met with Damion Jackson and explained the reason for the visit.

On 2/2/24 facility submitted an incident report that reported on 2/1/24 client #1(C1) had stated staff #1(S1) had yelled at C1 while asking C1 to pick up beads from the floor.

On 2/7/24 facility submitted an incident report that reported client #2(C2) had been directed by staff #2(S2) to walk to the front lobby for dismissal around 3pm and was found around 3:20pm unsupervised in the facility's van outside.

During the visit LPAs interviewed 2 clients, 4 staff, and S1 and S2 over the phone. Requested copies of personnel record, incident report, staff training, interviews conducted.

Regarding incident on 2/1/24, S1 does not have prior history of yelling at clients. C1 stated S1 was mean but has not yelled at clients. Facility conducted internal investigation and suspended staff on 2/1/24. S1 notified day program that will be retiring and will not return to work. Staff last zero tolerance policy was signed on 2017. No further investigation will be conducted regarding this incident.

Regarding incident 2/6/24, Staff #3(S3) who usually assist with dismissal at around 2:40pm walked by classroom and reminded clients of pick up, two clients followed S3. C2 did not follow staff and stayed with S2. C2 was asked to go to the front lobby for dismissal at around between 2:40pm - 3:00pm by S2. Upon C2's van arrival, S3 realized C2 was not around and staff began to search for C2. C2 was found in a van in the parking lot alone at 3:20pm. Disciplinary action for termination was created for S2 on 2/6/24. Prior given the notice S2 notified they were retiring and not return to work. Per interviews conducted, incident report submitted to the department C2 was left unsupervised for about 20 minutes. Therefore deficiencies are being noted per Title 22 Regulations.

Exit interview was conducted with Claudia Cortez and a copy of this report, LIC 809D, and appeal rights were provided.