Complaint Investigation Report

On 04/24/2024, LPAs Arroyo and Balisi along with QAS Aced-Arnett conducted interviews with the administrator, one staff member, and three clients between 2:10 p.m. and 3:35 p.m. On 04/16/2024, LPA Arroyo and QAS Aced-Arnett conducted a collateral visit Arc VC-Cochran and conducted interviews with two staff members and one client between 9:54 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

It was alleged that staff violated client’s personal rights and staff did not afford a client respect in their relationship. It was reported that facility staff has gone through Client #1’s (C1’s) bag after arriving from program, taken things out, and not giving them back. Records review and interviews conducted revealed that facility inspect C1’s bag after arriving from day program. Per resident notes, dated 03/13/2024, noted that C1 is required to hand over their bag immediately upon arrival, and staff then conduct a thorough inspection of its contents. This inspection process appears to be routine rather than selective and has included instances where items have been removed from the bag and not returned to C1. Additionally, facility staff has been sending notes to the day program in which it describes C1’s behavior, painting a negative picture of C1’s attitude. Further interviews conducted with staff revealed that C1 came home from day program with markers; however, the markers did not ‘look like’ the markers C1 has at home; therefore, the facility staff requested the day program personnel check C1’s personal locker and provide an inventory list to the facility staff. Though facility staff was continuously requested the day program staff have a communication book to disclose any issues the facility should be aware of and asking for C1’s inventory in their locker numerous times. The day program staff did not have any concerns with C1’s items in their locker and felt it unnecessary to create an itemized inventory of C1’s personal items. Further interviews conducted revealed that facility staff has been utilizing punitive measures by removing clients' Wi-Fi access as a “consequence” for various behavioral issues, including using inappropriate language, exhibiting a poor mood, or slamming doors. This action has resulted in clients losing access to their phones and iPads for extended periods, and has adversely impacted their ability to watch television, as their access to TV programming is dependent on internet connectivity.