Severe reports

On July 30, 2021, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received information that alleged facility staff pushed a child while in care. [...] Based on witness interviews and records review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, and the allegation facility Staff #1 pushed Client #1 is substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

On August 31, 2021, CCLD received an allegation reporting that on August 29, 2021, Staff member #1 physically assaulted Client #1 causing injuries to [Child 1]'s neck area and possible rib fracture (See LIC811, dated March 29, 2022). [...] It was revealed on August 29, 2021, an incident occurred involving [Child 1] who reportedly displayed behavior outburst resulting in [Child 1] being restrained by Staff member #1 and law enforcement being called. [...] Based on information obtained, the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met, therefore the allegation of physical abuse is Substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

On August 31, 2021, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) received complaint allegations concerning Staff member #1 who reportedly hit resident Client #1 with a vehicle while dropping minor off at school (see Confidential Names form LIC811, dated March 29, 2022). [...] Information obtained revealed enough evidence to prove the alleged, as [Staff 1] admitted that [Staff 1] was distracted and unintentionally hit [Child 1] with the vehicle as [Staff 1] was backing up while attempting to exit the parking lot at the School after dropping off facility clients on August 25, 2021. [Child 1] was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

Based on interviews, record reviews and the facility tour, it was determined that the facility staff handled youth in a rough manner, the facility staff did not prevent youths from engaging in physical altercations and the facility serves inadequate and poor quality food.

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations).

Based on the information obtained there is preponderance of the evidence to prove the facility staff shoved the minor in care and improperly restrained minor.

From the state's report. Substantiated.

During the course of the investigation, a youth alleged that [Staff 1] hit them with a belt one evening while in their own room and out of sight of cameras at the facility. [...] The facility was cited for Personal Rights 87072(a)(11) as children have the right to be free physical abuse, intimidation, threat, ridicule, and coercion. On at least one occasion, [Staff 1] struck a youth in care with a belt. [Staff 1] also disclosed to a staff that they had punched a youth in the stomach.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(a)(11). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

It was alleged that staff are physically abusive to a facility client, facility client sustained injuries while in care, and staff are not giving a facility client medications as prescribed.

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations).

[Staff 1]'s inappropriate behavior escalated and at some point [Staff 1] began engaging in sexual acts having sexual intercourse with [Child 1] while at the program. [...] The Department has determined substantiated finding for sexual abuse by [Staff 1] on [Child 1].

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

LPA confirmed through interviews with staff and clients and record reviews that the client's injury was caused by the manual restraint. Based on the information obtained, there is a preponderance of the evidence to prove that staff violated the client's personal rights by causing injury due to a manual restraint.

From the state's report. Substantiated.

Specifically, it was reported that [Staff 1] threatened to hit [Child 1] and also called [Child 1] "bitch".

From the state's report. Substantiated. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

In plain words: The state investigated and found it true that a resource parent had an inappropriate relationship with a youth in care, putting the safety and health of clients at risk. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

As a result of the interviews conducted, documentation reviewed and investigation conducted, the allegation that resource parent had an inappropriate relationship with client in care and resource parent engaged in conduct that is inimical to the health, morals, welfare, or safety of clients in the facility are SUBSTANTIATED at this time meaning that the allegation is valid because the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met.

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations). Cited: 84072(d).

The sexual activity was discovered by another facility client who reported it to the staff. [...] Confidential statements obtained from one of the facility clients indicated that the sexual abuse occurred, and he screamed for help during the incident but the staff was not in the immediate vicinity according to the client.

The investigation revealed that two facility clients became involved in sexual activities on two occasions during the month of June 2021 while unsupervised behind facility buildings.

(CONTINUED) It was alleged that a facility client was sexually abused by another client at the facility due to neglect and lack of supervision. [...] The incidents became known when the client who was sexually abused informed another client who then reported to staff.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

On June 14, 2021, CCL received an allegation that Client #1 (see LIC811, dated 12/16/2021) was sexually assaulted by Client #2 while in care. [...] Local law enforcement was contacted by the facility.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

Based on interviews and record review, there is a preponderance of evidence to prove that [Staff 1] hit [Child 3] with the door to staff office and that staff instigates incidents involving minors, therefore the allegations are substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations). Cited: 87072(d)(10). The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

On June 30, 2021, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received an allegation alleging staff member (Staff #1) physically assaulted resident (Child #1). [...] Based on record review and confidential interviews the allegation staff member (Staff #1) physically assaulted resident (Child #1) is substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(d). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

In plain words: The state investigated an allegation that a staff member had an inappropriate relationship with a child in the program. The state substantiated the claim, finding it valid based on the evidence. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

As a result of the interviews conducted, documentation reviewed and investigation conducted, the allegation that staff had an inappropriate relationship with client in care and staff engaged in conduct that is inimical to the health, morals, welfare, or safety of clients in the facility are SUBSTANTIATED at this time meaning that the allegation is valid because the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met.

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations). Cited: 84072(d).

As [Staff 1] stood by the door, other clients pushed [Staff 1] aside and began to physically assault [Child 1]. [...] [Staff 2] admitted not giving any verbal redirection to clients to de-escalate the incident because [Staff 2] "was in shock." The incident resulted a law enforcement response to the facility. [Child 2] was observed by law enforcement with seven punctures to the right hand, seven punctures to the right wrist, a scratch to the right forearm and a scratch to the right collarbone area. [...] Law enforcement recovered a hair pick on facility property which was identified as the weapon used to stab [Child 2]. [...] [Child 1] was detained at the conclusion of law enforcement's response.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 80078(a). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

[Child 1] approached a Staff member, "bumped chests and began yelling and swearing." Staff admitted to pushing [Child 1] away from him when [Child 1] approached. [...] Based on observation, record review, and interviews, the allegation Staff pushed client in care is SUBSTANTIATED. [...] The Staff member who pushed the client received disciplinary action and will complete additional training.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(d)(11). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

In plain words: A staff member sexually abused a client multiple times during one‑on‑one walks on facility grounds, and the state gave the facility a report and civil‑penalty forms. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

LPA Yamamoto met with the facility representative named above and discussed the following: On 3/4/21, the Department received a complaint that staff sexually abused client in care and engaged in conduct inimical to clients in care. Confidential statements obtained during the investigation revealed that the sexual abuse occurred multiple times on facility grounds when client and staff went for one on one walks. [...] Per Health and Safety Code section 1548(2), "physical abuse" includes sexual abuse as defined by Penal Code section 11165.1 which includes Section 288a oral copulation. [...] A copy of this signed report, Confidential Names Form (LIC 811), Appeal Rights and Form LIC 421-D (CRP) Civil Penalty Assessment - Death / Serious Bodily Injury / Physical Abuse were provided to the facility representative.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited at inspection. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

The allegation that staff sexually abused a foster child is related to a disclosure made on 6/30/21, by [Child 1] (see LIC811 dated DATE) that [Child 1] had engaged in sexual intercourse with [Staff 1] in the staff room at the facility. [...] As a result of the investigation and interviews conducted, the allegations that staff sexually abused a foster child and that staff gave a foster child non-prescribed medication for illicit use are SUBSTANTIATED at this time meaning that the allegation is valid because the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met. [...] The facility has a responsibility to accord personal rights to all children in care including the right to be free of physical, sexual, emotional, or other abuse... investigation showed that [Staff 1] sexually abuse [Child 1] in the facility.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(d)(11). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

Based on record review and interviews [Staff 1] did pushed [Child 1]. The preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the allegation [Staff 1] pushed [Child 1] is found to be Substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations). Cited: 87072(d)(11). The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

LPA Yamamoto met with the facility representative named above and discussed the following: On 1/25/21, the Department received an incident report that on 1/23/21, a client in placement was found unresponsive at the facility after staff exited a bathroom. Staff called 911 and first responders arrived. Client was taken by paramedics to the hospital where client later died. On the same day, the Department received a complaint alleging neglect/lack of supervision resulting in a client's death. [...] A copy of this signed report, Confidential Names Form (LIC 811), Form LIC 421-D (CRP) Civil Penalty Assessment - Death / Serious Bodily Injury / Physical Abuse and Appeal Rights were provided to the facility representative.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited at inspection. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

It was alleged that staff handled youth in a rough manner. Based on confidential interviews, staff handled [Child 1] in a rough manner by grabbing [Child 1] which resulted in both staff and client falling onto the floor. Based on records reviewed, this was an improper restraint.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(d)(11). The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

On 10/5/21 at 12: PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Robin Sullivan went to the facility and met with Devin Johnson, Supervisor, to deliver findings for the allegations that staff inappropriately touched minor, staff made sexual advances towards minor, and facility did not notify licensing of an incident. [...] Based on the interviews conducted and incident reports reviewed the allegations that staff inappropriately touched minor, staff made sexual advances towards minor, and the facility did not notify licensing of an incident are SUBSTANTIATED.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

On May 17, 2021, Community Care Licensing received a complaint alleging Staff Member #1 provided alcohol to minors and [Staff 1] exposed minor to CSEC (Commercial Sexually Exploited Children) activity.

From the state's report. Substantiated. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

The suspension was due to reviewing video footage of the incident and Administrators determining [Child 1] was pushed by [Staff 1].

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(d)(11). The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

Staff allowed client to reside with staff and engaged in continued sexual abuse of client, when client went AWOL.

From the state's report. Substantiated (one of several allegations). Cited: 87072(d)(11).

The Department received a complaint alleging that a client, who was left unsupervised, choked on food resulting in client's death. [...] Staff called 911 and was instructed to perform chest compressions by the 911 operator. [...] Client passed away at the hospital.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

In plain words: The state investigated a complaint that a staff member failed to properly supervise a fifteen-year-old resident before the child died. The state determined the violation resulted in the resident's death and issued an immediate seven thousand dollar fine to the program. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

On July 23, 2021, the Department concluded a complaint investigation alleging that staff #1 (See the Confidential Names List, LIC 811, dated September 3, 2021) neglected to provide the supervision necessary to meet the needs of fifteen-year-old client #1, prior to [Child 1]'s death. [...] Pursuant to the Enhanced Civil Penalty law, the Health and Safety (H&S) code section 1548 (e)(3)(A) states a violation the Department determines "...resulted in the death of a person receiving care through a Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program," the Department will be issuing an immediate civil penalty of $7,000.00." An exit interview was completed and appeal rights discussed. Copies of this report, the Confidential Names List, Appeal Rights and a Civil Penalty Assessment - Serious Bodily Injury/Physical Abuse (Form 421-D) were provided to the executive director.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited at inspection. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

The complaint allegation, lack of supervision resulting in minor being sexually abused by an adult while in care, is valid because the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(d)(11).

On June 4, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received an allegation alleging Staff member (Staff #1) sexually abused group home child (Child #1). [...] Based on record review and confidential interviews the allegation Staff member (Staff #1) sexually abused group home child (Child #1) is substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 84072(d)(11). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

The allegation is that the minor was sexually assaulted by another minor while in care.

From the state's report. Substantiated.

Based on the information obtained, there is preponderance of the evidence to prove that client [Child 1] (See LIC 811, dated 08/05/21 for Confidential Names) was sexually assaulted by ([Child 2]) due to lack of supervision on 3/15/21.

From the state's report. Substantiated. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

Police found the illegally concealed firearm (belonging to [Staff 2]) during a search of the vehicle. Multiple charges were filed against [Staff 1] by police, including assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and cruelty to a child.

From the state's report. Substantiated. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

On February 16, 2021, CCL received an allegation that staff (Staff #1) neglected a minor (Child #1) resulting in a death. [...] Based on record review, observation of video footage, and confidential interviews the allegation that staff (Staff #1) neglected a minor (Child #1) resulting in a death is substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87078(b). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

The purpose of inspection is to deliver the case management investigation findings of the reported death of non minor dependent participant on 02/26/21. [...] Confidential Interviews and documentation reveal that program staff were aware of ongoing issues that were happening at the apartment complex which resulted in the death of a non-minor dependent participant in care.

From the state's report. Deficiency cited at inspection. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences.

On May 5, 2021, the Department received a complaint alleging that staff pinched minor causing bruising. It was alleged that [Staff 1] pinched [Child 1] causing bruising to the arm. [...] Then, [Staff 1] went over to [Child 1] and pinched [Child 1] on the back of the arm. [...] Based on interviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met regarding the allegation that [Staff 1] pinched [Child 1] causing bruising and that [Staff 1] made inappropriate comments to [Child 1].

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(d)(11), 87072(d)(10). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

In plain words: A staff member denied dragging or touching a child in the program. However, another child stated on a recorded phone call that the staff member dragged and kicked the child. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

RP stated that [Child 1] does at times inflict self-injury but usually does so by biting and the injuries that RP observed did not appear to be self-inflicted. [...] [Staff 1] denied ever dragging or going "hands on" with [Child 1]. [...] Administrator sent IB investigator an audio recording of the phone call between [Staff 4], [Child 2], Administrator where [Child 2] confirms that [Staff 1] dragged [Child 1] up to the steps" and kicked [Child 1].

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 84072(D)(11). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

In plain words: State officials found allegations substantiated that a staff member physically abused children, gave medicine early, and disrupted sleep. Videos also showed the staff member hitting and kicking children while two other staff members watched without stopping it. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

On March 17, 2021, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received an allegation of Staff (Staff #1 are assaulting clients (Child #1 and Child #2 in care. [...] Confidential interviews report a second video of the incident was obtained and confirmed the assault including [Staff 1] hitting [Child 1] and [Child 2] several times before throwing them to the floor. Record review revealed additional observations of both videos noted [Staff 1] was seen to have been kicking both [Child 1] and [Child 2] as they were lying on the ground. [...] Record review revealed observations of the two videos obtained of the incident show [Staff 2] and [Staff 3] were present during the assault and did not interject or try to stop the fight.

On December 11, 2020, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received an allegation of facility staff (Staff #1 A copy of the report was discussed and provided along with appeal rights to Childhelp Merv Griffin Quality Assurance Coordinator, Marlo Felix. physically abused child (Child #1 in care. [...] Based on confidential interviews, observation, and record review of facility documentation, the allegations facility staff (Staff #1 physically abused child (Child #1 in care, Staff (Staff #1 administered medication before the designated time, and Staff (Staff #1 interfered with client's (Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, Child #5, Child # 6 ([Child 6]), Child #7 Child #8, Child #9, Child #10, ([Child 10]), Child #11, and Child #12) nightly sleeping arrangements are substantiated.

From the state's report. Substantiated. Cited: 87072(d)(11). "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

On December 27, 2020, CCLD received a complaint referral alleging Neglect / Lack of Supervision as Child #1 reportedly had access to hazardous items and [Child 1] ingested hazardous items while in care (see Confidential Names form LIC811, dated 5/28/2021). Information obtained during the investigation including interviews and review of related medical records for [Child 1] indicates in part, numerous hospitalization's for [Child 1] due to ingesting foreign objects and being placed on involuntary psychiatric holds between August 2020 and February 2021. [Child 1] was hospitalized on 12/14/2020, for "foreign body ingestion" of glass. Records indicate [Child 1] ingested two fistfuls of glass shards. On 08/31/2020, [Child 1] was admitted to the hospital emergency room with complaint of swallowing glass and ingesting a metallic screw seen on x-ray. [...] On 10/04/2020, [Child 1] was admitted to the emergency room for ingesting window screws.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

In plain words: State officials received a report that a lack of supervision allowed a child in the program to engage in sexual activities with an unknown adult male at the facility. A staff member stated she assumed the child just preferred staying alone in her room instead of socializing. Our summary of the state's report. The state's own wording follows.

On March 31, 2020, Community Care Licensing received claims alleging a lack of supervision contributed to Client #1 engaging in sexual activities with an unidentified male while in the facility. [...] [Staff 1] disclosed that she was under the assumption of knowing [Child 1] "having the habit of staying in the room and not socializing with the residents in the living room." [Staff 1] discovered the unidentified male was present at the facility when a neighbor witnessed the male jump the fence, after the (Continued on LIC9099-C) Los Angeles Sheriff Department (LAPD) arrived at the facility and began questioning staff and residents about the alleged incident.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

On February 3, 2021, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received a complaint alleging facility staff inappropriately restrain minors and demonstrate inappropriate forms of discipline towards clients in care. [...] Regarding the allegation of Staff #1 inappropriately restraining minors, confidential interviews revealed [Staff 1] restrains children by twisting their hand(s) and pulling the children's hand(s) behind their lower back. [...] Based on interviews and records review, there is a preponderance of the evidence to prove Staff #1 inappropriately restrained minors (Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, Child #5) and facility staff demonstrate an inappropriate form of discipline by placing children in a group meeting for extended periods of time until children confess to the feces on the restroom walls.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.

On December 14, 2020, Community Care Licensing received claims alleging a lack of supervision resulting in inappropriate sexual contact between clients as it was reported that Client #2 was a victim of sexual assault by Client #1 while in the facility. [...] Information revealed [Child 2] was the victim of sexual assault from [Child 1]. [Child 2] was reportedly scared of [Child 1] and [Child 1] forced [Child 2] to engage in sexual acts.

From the state's report. Substantiated. "[...]" marks text left out between sentences. The state numbers or abbreviates the people in a report instead of naming them; we spell its codes out in square brackets, such as [Staff 1] for S1 or [Former client 3] for FC #3.