Complaint Investigation Report

towards another client. Further information from client interviews revealed that clients feel that they are treated well by facility staff, as they are not yelled at, called names, or felt that staff was intimidating them by banging on doors, or standing in the door way. Per additional staff interviews conducted, staff denied having knowledge of any form of abuse occurring at the facility, however there are times where incidences occur and staff have to be stern and redirect certain client behaviors. LPA conducted a records review consisting of behavior contract, special/unusual injury incident reports (SIRs), which revealed that there has been ongoing behavioral incidences that are disruptive to the home. Based on observations, interviews and records review the allegation of staff is emotionally abusing a client is unsubstantiated.

Regarding the allegation of facility staff is physically abusing client. It was further alleged that there was an incident involving C1 being in possession of a knife and S1 pushed C1. Per an interview with S1 there were external factors contributing to the incident that S1 felt C1's judgement was impaired and additional supervision was required, impairing C1 from being able to use the knife safely. While S1 denied pushing C1, all parties interviewed agreed that there was an incident involving a knife. Per staff interviews conducted, staff denied having knowledge of any form of abuse occurring at the facility, however there are times where incidences occur and staff have to be stern and redirect certain client behaviors. Per additional interviews conducted with clients, they denied that they have seen S1 pushing C1 or any other clients. However it was additionally shared during client interviews that the incident would not rise to the level of abuse and that someone could have gotten hurt and the situation needed to be controlled, but no pushing was observed. LPA conducted a records review of SIRs, behavior contract, and confiscated items that revealed that there has been an increase in incidences that does involve external contributing factors. Based on observations, interviews and records review the allegation of staff is physically abusing a client is unsubstantiated. A finding that the complaint is unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation(s) occurred.

An exit interview was conducted where a copy of this report was reviewed and provided to Christian Court, Administrator.