192006337-12-4-2023-33-CC-ACHO-CYYVD3-20231229152005

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 192006337
Report Date: 12/04/2023
Date Signed: 12/04/2023 04:12:26 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
10/13/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Veronica Martinez-Garza

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20231013080253

FACILITY NAME:	CENTRO DE ALEGRIA		FACILITY NUMBER:	192006337
ADMINISTRATOR:	VERONICA HERRERA		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	420 N. SOTO STREET		TELEPHONE:	(323) 685-8501
CITY:	LOS ANGELES	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	90033
CAPACITY:	62	CENSUS: 12	DATE:	12/04/2023
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	03:40 PM
MET WITH:	Program Director Veronica Herrera		TIME COMPLETED:	04:25 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Child sustained unexplained bruising while in care

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 12/04/2023 at 03:40 p.m., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Veronica Martinez Garza conducted an unannounced complaint investigation to deliver findings to the above allegation. A COVID risk assessment was conducted upon entry. Upon arrival LPA met with Program Director Veronica Herrera who guided LPA on a tour of the facility. LPA observed 12 children in care with 06 staff.

According to the Reporting Party (RP), “Child sustained unexplained bruising while in care.”

During the course of the investigation, LPA interviewed Staff 1 (S1 thru 6), and Parent 1 (P1 thru 3), and attempted to interview Child 1 (C1). LPA also obtained a copy of the facility roster, photos of C1, and reviewed C1’s file.

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Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 12/04/2023

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/04/2023

This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 33-CC-20231013080253

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: CENTRO DE ALEGRIA	FACILITY NUMBER: 192006337
	VISIT DATE: 12/04/2023

NARRATIVE

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Allegation regarding- Child sustained unexplained bruising while in care. LPA interviewed S1 thru S6, who made no disclosures. According to S1 thru S6, the facility conducts health and safety checks which consists of any visual marks, bruises, scratches, or anything abnormal. Per S1, parents complete a health screener before drop off. RP provided LPA with 7 different photos of C1’s forehead and wrist. LPA observed that C1 had different clothing on all photos assuming these were taken on different days. LPA observed a light bruise on C1s forehead which can only be seen if C1’s bangs are lifted. LPA reviewed C1s file and did not observe any ouch reports or incident reports on file. Based on the photos provided, LPA couldn’t determine if C1 had a bruise on the wrist. Staff interviews were consistent regarding the facility’s procedure of injuries and documentation. S1 thru S3, stated that C1 was briefly enrolled in the program. S2 and S3 stated that C1 had a difficult time transitioning. According to S3, parent of C1 was called to follow up on C1s absences; parent of C1 informed S3 that C1 will not return to the facility because C1 cries. S3 reinforced parent of C1 that it is normal for C1 to cry as it’s part of transitioning from home to center and that C1 would get comfortable. Per S3, parent of C1 stated that the grandfather would care for C1. S3 advised parent of C1 to call the office to report C1s withdrawal from the facility. LPA attempted to interview C1, however, the interview was canceled. According to RP, C1 is not verbal though can speak short words. LPA interviewed P2 and P3, who made no disclosures. P3 stated they like the facility and have seen their child verbally improve. P3 also stated that their child has become more independent and has adapted to the facility. Per P3, their child would cry at first, but knew it was normal since their child was transitioning from home to center. LPA cannot determine if C1 sustained unexplained bruising while in care, even though, C1s picture of forehead shows a light bruise. All staff interviews were consistent with injury procedures, documentation, and length of time C1 attended the facility; no disclosures were made of any bruising observations during the short period of time. Though facility staff conducted a health check, LPA could not ascertain if staff lifted C1’s bangs back which may have prompted staff to follow up on any observe bruising.

Based on interviews and observation of facility, this agency has investigated the complaint alleging “Child sustained unexplained bruising while in care.” We have found that the complaint was UNSUBSTANTIATED. Meaning that, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Program Director Veronica Herrera
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SUPERVISORS NAME: Ana Chico
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Veronica Martinez-Garza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 12/04/2023

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/04/2023

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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