198601806-8-25-2023-28-AS-DSIS-D5SM2P-20240531091350

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198601806
Report Date: 08/25/2023
Date Signed: 08/25/2023 12:33:14 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
GREATER LA AC/SC, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. ST 500
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
07/24/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Bennette Pena

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 28-AS-20230724133547

FACILITY NAME:	CHOICES R US - DOROTHY		FACILITY NUMBER:	198601806
ADMINISTRATOR:	DANIEL GODFREY		FACILITY TYPE:	735
ADDRESS:	10008 DOROTHY AVE		TELEPHONE:	(562) 445-3009
CITY:	SOUTH GATE	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	90280
CAPACITY:	4	CENSUS: 3	DATE:	08/25/2023
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	10:12 AM
MET WITH:	Joachim Ohalete – Direct Support Professional		TIME COMPLETED:	12:45 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff touched resident in an inappropriate manner.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Bennette Pena conducted a subsequent complaint visit for the above-mentioned allegation. LPA met with Joachim Ohalete/DSP and explained the reason for the visit.

During the visit on 7/25/2023, LPA Pena obtained a copy of Staff roster and Client roster, House rules, Incident Reports/SIRs (3/22/2023, 7/19/2023, 7/23/2023-7/25/2023) and conducted a tour of facility and common areas. LPA also obtained Client #1 (C1) files such as: AdmissionAgreement, Physician's report and Identification and Emergency Information. LPA interviewed the Administrator, Staff #1 (S1) telephonically, Staff #2 (S2) - Staff #5 (S5) and Client #2 (C2). LPA was not able to interview Client #1 (C1) as he was in the hospital.

During today’s investigation, LPA Pena obtained copies of Staff & Client Rosters, in service training (Abuse & Zero Tolerance Policy), 30-day eviction notice for C1, additional incident reports (SIRs), C1's additional records, facility sketch, SCLA Regional Center IPP assessment, Behavior assessment, Case Notes, Medication Logs and Hospital notes. LPA also interviewed Client #3 (C3), telephonically interviewed Client #4 (C4) and Staff #6 (S6). LPA was not able to interview Client #1 (C1) as he is currently out of the facility, admitted in the hospital. ***CONTINUED ON LIC 9099-C***

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: David Sicairos
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Bennette Pena
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/25/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2023

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 28-AS-20230724133547

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
GREATER LA AC/SC, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. ST 500
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: CHOICES R US - DOROTHY	FACILITY NUMBER: 198601806
	VISIT DATE: 08/25/2023

NARRATIVE

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The investigation revealed the following: in regards to the allegation: "Staff touched resident in an inappropriate manner. ", it is alleged that C1 was touched in groin area by a staff/caregiver. Interviews conducted with the Administrator and 6 of 6 staff staff members all denied the allegation. Administrator and staff members interviewed indicated that they have never touched any client, nor have they seen any staff member being rough or touched any of the clients in an inappropriate manner. Additionally, all staff indicated that they did not witness the alleged incident and they treat all clients with respect. Administrator also indicated that an in-service training was conducted annually with all staff members beginning of 2023 regarding Abuse and Zero Tolerance Policy. Administrator stated that he was not aware of this allegation and no one has reported it to him. 3 out of 4 clients interviewed also denied the allegation and indicated that facility staff treat them with dignity, and respect and they feel safe at the facility. C2-C4 denied knowledge and indicated that they have never observed staff members touched client #1 (C1) or other clients in an inappropriate manner. Regional center was not aware of this allegation and did not conduct an investigation. There were no witnesses, camera footage, or evidence obtained during the investigation to corroborate with the allegation. Therefore, there was insufficient evidence to corroborate with the allegation.

Based on statements and interviews conducted with staff, clients, review of clients’ files and facility file records, there was not enough supportive evidence to concur with the reported allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Exit interview held, and a copy of this report was provided to Joachim Ohalete – Direct Support Professional.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: David Sicairos
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Bennette Pena
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:	DATE: 08/25/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2023

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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