Complaint Investigation Report, 03/25/2025 — Special Friends Foundation, Poway CA

Review of 6 out 6 clients’ P&I ledgers did not reveal any discrepancies in amounts. LPA counted each clients’ cash and cross-checked the amounts with the amount listed on the ledger. The amount of cash in the clients’ pouches were consistent with the amount written on the ledger. Client #1 (C1) had a balance of $55 as of October 12, 2024, listed on the ledger, LPA counted $55 in C1’s cash pouch. Client #2 (C2) had a balance of $42 as of October 12, 2024, listed on the ledger, LPA counted $42 in C2’s cash pouch. Client #3 (C3) had a balance of $42 as of October 17,2024, LPA counted $42 in C3’s cash pouch. Client #4 (C4) had a balance of $42 as of October 17, 2024, LPA counted $42 in C4’s cash pouch. Client #5 (C5) had a balance of $234 as of October 16, 2024, LPA counted $234 in C5’s cash pouch. Client #6 (C6) had a balance of $63 as of October 14, 2024, LPA counted $63 in C6’s cash pouch.

Interviews with staff revealed that once a client has withdrawn funds, they bring the change back to the staff in whole dollars and keep the coins. The clients have coin jars in their bedrooms because they only give back the whole dollar bills from their change which are then documented on the ledger. Interviews with clients revealed they enjoy keeping coin jars in their bedrooms and being allowed to keep their own change. Interviews with outside sources did not raise any concerns with clients maintaining their own coins.

Based on interviews, direct LPA observations and records review, the investigation did not yield a preponderance of evidence to conclude that the licensee did not maintain accurate client ledgers. Based on the foregoing, the allegation is unsubstantiated. This finding means that although the allegation may have happened or may be valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred. An exit interview was conducted with Administrator Michelle Wojciechowski, to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 03/22) were provided.