Allegation: Illegal Drugs are sold at the facility.

The details of the complaint alleged that facility staff are selling drugs to the clients at the facility.

On August 12, 2025, at approximately 9:45 AM, the Department interviewed the facility administrator (A1). (A1) stated that they have never observed or received reports of staff members possessing, distributing, or selling illegal substances within the facility. Consequently, no such incidents have been reported to management, licensing authorities, or law enforcement. While no drug use has been observed inside the facility, (A1) noted that some residents have used illicit substances in surrounding areas, such as nearby alleys and streets including Orange, Cherry, and Long Beach Blvd. (A1) explained that the facility actively works to prevent drug activity near its premises and is aware that drug dealers often target residents when they receive money. In past instances, (A1) has witnessed residents under the influence and responded by conducting tests, issuing warnings, referring residents to day programs or rehabilitation, and initiating eviction procedures when necessary. (A1) confirmed that staff are informed of residents’ criminal backgrounds, including sex offender status, during the admission process or through care planning. Additionally, (A1) stated they have never witnessed or suspected any inappropriate sexual activity or solicitation occurring within the facility or surrounding areas. Regarding supervision, (A1) affirmed that the facility consistently provides adequate oversight, particularly during high-risk times such as nights and weekends. The facility uses a monitoring system in resident rooms and maintains a staffing pattern of six staff members across all shifts on weekends. During the night shift, one staff member is present along with the monitoring system, and room checks are conducted regularly throughout the day and night. However, housekeeping services are not available at weekends.

Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099-C

On August 12, 2025, at approximately 1:00 pm, the Department interviewed facility staff (S1-S6), (6) out of (6) stated that they have never observed other facility staff engaging in the possession, distribution, or sale of illegal substances inside the facility. They have never observed clients possessing or using illicit drugs within the facility.

Allegation: Facility staff are failing to address client behaviors out in the community.

The details of the complaint alleged that facility clients are engaging in criminal activity, drug use, and solicitation outside the facility.

On August 12, 25, at approximately 9:45 am, the Department interviewed the facility administrator (A1). When asked about the process for addressing disruptive, aggressive, or unsafe behavior from residents, both within the facility and in the community, the facility administrator (A1) explained that staff first attempt to assess the client. If necessary, the Psychiatric Emergency Team (PET) is contacted to initiate a 5150 hold. All incidents are documented through an incident report and reported to Community Care Licensing. (A1) emphasized that staff are instructed not to ignore incidents and to take immediate action when issues arise. (A1) noted that while the facility has received complaints from neighbors, investigations revealed that the concerns were related to homeless individuals in the area and not facility residents. Staff conduct regular rounds around the facility’s perimeter to monitor activity.

Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099-C

On August 12, 2025, at approximately 11:00 am, the Department interviewed clients in care (C1-C8), (8) out of (8) stated that no client had ever made them feel uncomfortable or unsafe in the facility. They have never seen or heard any inappropriate behavior between clients or visitors. Additionally, (8) out of (8) clients in care stated that when transients come inside the facility, the staff asked them to leave. They feel the facility staff are looking for everyone’s safety. Moreover, (8) out of (8) clients in care stated that there are sufficient staff around, with approximately two staff every shift. In addition, (8) out of (8) clients in care said that they have never witnessed facility clients interacting with children from the nearby school. No one has ever gotten in trouble while outside in the community.

On August 12, 2025, at approximately 1:00 pm, the Department interviewed facility staff (S1-S6), (6) out of (6) stated that facility administrators are aware of client’s backgrounds such as criminal and registered sex offenders, since there is an elementary school next door, the facility does not have registered sex offenders living. They have never observed clients engaging in inappropriate sexual activity or solicitation within the facility or its surroundings. Additionally, (6) out of (6) facility staff stated that the facility provides consistent and adequate supervision to all clients in care. When it comes to addressing disruptive, aggressive or unsafe behaviors from clients in care, the facility uses verbal or written warnings, call police enforcement and uses de-scalation techniques. Moreover, (6) out of (6) facility staff stated that there have not been situations where client’s behavior in the community led to complaints or safety concerns and in their opinion, there are no concerns regarding any safety, substance abuse, or behavioral management within the facility.

Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099-C

Based on the evidence gathered, interviews conducted, and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above-mentioned allegation(s) are found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur.

An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of the Complaint Report was given to Ibrahim Zayat/Administrator.