Complaint Investigation Report

*** This report supersedes report dated 8/4/2021. Details were corrected and added to reflect information collected. No changes made to findings***

The investigation revealed the following: In regards to the allegation "Staff is not providing a safe environment for resident's" it was alleged that staff allowed C2 to threaten and be a menace to clients in care. (6) of (6) staff interviewed denied the allegation. (11) of (13) clients interviewed could not corroborate the allegation. Interviews show that on 7/12/21 around 8:30am, C1 was yelling and insulting C2 in the hallways when C2 then brandished a nail filer and used it to threaten C1 to back off. Immediately staff arrived and separated the clients. Staff removed the item from C2's possession and police were called. LPA observed security footage of the incident and it showed staff intervene de-escalate the situation. Interviews show that S1 then took C2 outside to remove the item used to threaten C1. S1 also checked C2's backpack and did not find anything else. C2 then went to their room where C2 got into another altercation with roommate C3. C2 then pulled out a knife from somewhere in their room. Immediately staff heard the altercation and arrived to separate the clients. The knife was then removed from C2's possession. Staff conducted a room check and police arrived with C2's placement agency to place C2 in a 51/50. C2 was taken from the facility but returned back to the facility on 7/15/21 and has not had an incident since. C2 had not had an incident similar to this prior to the 7/12/21 incident. C2 stated that the items were all purchased outside of the facility when C2 goes out into the community. Based on interviews with staff and clients in care, the facility staff attempts to resolve situations as soon as they are aware of them. 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 this allegation is unsubstantiated.

In regards to the allegation "Resident has access to a knife." it was alleged that staff allowed C2 to have a knife in the facility. (6) of (6) staff denied the allegation. (11) of (13) clients interviewed could not corroborate the allegation. Interview with C2 shows that the nail filer and knife confiscated from C2 were purchased at a dollar store outside of the facility. Facility staff were not aware that C2 owned the items and once they were aware, they confiscated them. Review of C2 file shows that C2 is able to go out of the facility unassisted. Interviews with staff corroborate this information. Based on interviews with staff and clients in care, the facility staff was not aware that C2 had the items mentioned but did confiscate them once they were aware. 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 this allegation is unsubstantiated.

No deficiencies are being cited on todays visit. Exit Interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided.