Complaint Investigation Report

It is alleged that S2 hit C1 with a wooden spatula 3-4 times on the arm and thigh. Police were called and law enforcement responded to the call on 9/23/22 and conducted an investigation. Interview with C1 was attempted, however, C1 is non-verbal and was unable to answer interview questions. Law enforcement observed C1 for any bruising or redness in areas C1 was alleged to be hit and there were no visible marks. Upon interview with S1 (conducted by law enforcement), S1 denied hitting resident with wooden spatula but did admit to raising their voice and hitting their own hand with the wooden spatula while redirecting C1’s behavior. Per interview with C2 (conducted by law enforcement), they indicated they saw S2 hit C1 with the wooden spatula on the thigh. S1,S2 and C2 each stated that C1 was having behaviors on the date of the incident, running and slamming doors. Law enforcement obtained a video recording of incident where no there was no visual but audio of incident where law enforcement heard screaming and sounds of smacking. S2 was in the kitchen when incident occurred and did not witness incident but did hear S1 redirect C1 and raise their voice.

San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center’s Quality Assurance Specialist conducted an investigation on 9/24/22 and was also not successful in interviewing C1 due to their intellectual disability. Specialist observed C1 in areas that they were allegedly hit and there were no signs of redness, bruising or swelling. During Specialist's interview with C2, it was stated that after hearing C1’s behaviors of running and slamming doors, C2 saw S1 standing over C1 with spatula in hand while C1 was sitting on their bed. Specialist obtained a video recording (no visual only sound heard) where the smacking noises and screaming were heard. Specialist interviewed S1 on 10/11/22 and S1 stated they did yell at C1 to stop slamming the door, which indicates that the Behavior Treatment Plan for C1 dated 7/4/22 was not followed.

LPA Kruz Long conducted an investigation on 9/29/22 and was unable to conduct interview with C1 as they were away at Day Program. LPA Long interviewed C2 and C2 stated that they saw S1 grab a wooden spatula and proceed to C1’s bedroom and then heard loud smacking sounds. C2 stated that they have witnessed S1 hit C1 with the same spatula on the arm and thigh. LPA was provided with a voice recording of incident where the smacking noises and screaming were heard. LPA interviewed S1 and S1 stated that C1 was having behaviors of running and slamming doors, S1 raised their voice at C1 while redirecting them and S1 stated they hit their own hand not the client while redirecting.