Complaint Investigation Report

It was alleged that a staff hit Client #1 (C1) on their feet multiple times, C1 began to cry, and the facility claimed the reason this was done was because C1 had been trying to elope. LPA inspected the facility, conducted health and safety checks on the clients present, and observed no health and safety issues. LPA interviewed three staff who were unable to provide information regarding the allegation. LPA interviewed AD who stated that during this incident, C1 had removed the stick from the windowsill that was used to keep the window closed, C1 was trying to elope and was agitated, and Staff #1 (S1) took the stick and used it to tap on the ground to get C1’s attention as part of redirecting C1. AD denied that any staff hit any client during this incident. LPA attempted to interview C1, but C1 is non-verbal. LPA conducted a health and safety check on C1 and observed no health and safety issues. LPA interviewed the four other clients, all of whom denied the allegation and stated that staff do not hit clients at the facility. Two of these clients were physically present during the alleged incident and stated it did not occur as reported. S1 no longer works at the facility and multiple attempts to interview S1 were unsuccessful. Per AD, during the facility’s investigation into the incident, S1 denied hitting C1 with the stick.

Based on the information gathered during the investigation and review of all documents obtained, the Department is unable to ascertain if the above allegation occurred as reported. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove or refute the alleged violation occurred; therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was discussed with and provided to facility representative.