Complaint Investigation Report

RP stated, "That type of violent individual does NOT belong in a residential neighborhood, with frail seniors and with little children who wait for the school bus out on Cherokee, especially when the staff cannot keep the residents confined to the facility, need to protect themselves from the individuals with riot shields and lack the training to deal effectively with their violence."

The RP stated that on 12/20/2023 around 10:00 AM, Resident 1 (R1) ran out of the facility without staff. RP was driving and almost hit the resident. RP had to slam on the breaks to prevent from hitting the resident. RP said the resident banged on the car several times and made death threats towards RP.

RP stated they were so scared that they reversed the car and R1 chased the car and continued to hit the car and threaten RP. RP said four staff came running out with riot shields. RP stated they are is scared for RP's life and can't go outside now and is trapped in their own home. RP said the licensee did not let the neighborhood know about the type of facility.

According to a review of the Facility Program Design, Hopeful Tomorrow Home is a staff operated Enhanced Behavior Support Home (EBSH) that provides 24-hour non-medical resident care services. Hopeful Tomorrow Homes supports clients with person centered planning in the form of supporting clients with mental and behavioral health. There are instances where staff needs to utilize de-escalation techniques or utilize tools to ensure residents are kept safe from self injurious behaviors. For example, Ukeru Pads are utilized in the home to prevent residents from hitting themselves, others, or to lessen the amount of harm. According to ukerusystems.com, Ukeru Pads are implemented as a restraint free approach and is a simple, yet highly effective approach to crisis management that offers an alternative to coercive behavior techniques.

LPA Valerio interviewed staff that were present during the incident. According to Staff 1 (S1), S1 arrived at the facility on 12/20/2023 and saw R1 in front of the home. R1 yelled "look at me hurt the car". S1 observed the house staff follow R1 outside and utilize the "blue pads" [Ukeru Pads] to block R1. R1 continued to attempt to hit the staff while the therapist attempted to calm R1 by using de-escalation techniques . R1 then ran into the street and blocked a car from proceeding. Staff and therapist was able to redirect R1 back to R1's room.