Complaint Investigation Report

safely secured away, locked up. For accountability they have a ledger, which all staff interviewed explained they keep track of all transactions when a client request money from the funds. Both staff and the client sign the ledger for each transaction. LPA did observe the facility’s P&I funds secured in a locked cabinet where the medication is stored. LPA reviewed the and audit the ledger and the balances match with cash on hand. LPA notice that transactions both had the client and a staff’s signature. One client interviewed said they independently handle their own money. Another client believes that the facility stores their money safely and no one steals it. Client 1 (C1) on the other hand does not feel their money is being safeguarded by the facility and believes one the staff is taking their money. The client sense it from their “gut feeling.” And accuses the staff spending the money at McDonalds and purchasing travel suitcases on a facility outing. Facility staff explained that purchases were made with their own personal money. The staff stated sometimes C1 runs out of money and they pay and buy things for C1 without asking the administrator for reimbursement. Staff provided proof of purchases on their banking application.

It was alleged that facility staff punished client. The investigation determined the following: LPA spoke to all the clients at the facility; two out of three clients confirm that no one has ever punished them. They are respected and treated well here at the facility. One client stated that if they were punished or mistreated, they would tell their pastor who the client has a close relationship with. C1 on the other hand felt like they were being punished and not given preferential treatment like their other housemates. All staff strongly disagree with the allegation. One staff said they were train to be patient with the clients and that they have every right to do whatever they like.

It was alleged that facility did not allow client access to their cash resources. The investigation determined the following: Based on interviews with the clients, one client is independent, they handle their own money, but did notice that other clients did have access to their money when they requested. Another client did state that they do get their money whenever they request it. C1 stated the facility does not give them their money when they ask for it. They say when they go bowling, they are never given their money. They stated they must use their own personal money. LPA asked C1 about their personal money. It was money C1 keep to themselves, on hand from the sales of the bracelets they made and sold, a little side business C1 had. All three staff interviewed stated clients can have access to their P&I funds at any time. AD Torres stated that C1 would call and ask if they could get their money and, of course, the staff at the facility would give them their money. One staff said that C1 usually spends their P&I money quickly and runs out at the end of the month. AD

(Complaint Investigation continued on LIC-9099C)