The complaint alleged that client C2 informed the staff at the facility where C2 resided that they were afraid to return to the Day Program after witnessing a Day Program staff member hit client C1 on the forehead. On January 31, 2024, the department interviewed five staff members (S1-S5), all of whom denied the allegation and stated that they had never witnessed S1 hitting any client. On the same date, the department interviewed two clients (C1 and C2). C1 was unable to answer the questions due to health conditions. On March 3, 2024, the department interviewed the Administrator (A1), who also denied the allegation and stated that A1 had never witnessed any incident of staff hitting a client in their care or been informed of such incidents by others.

On June 11, 2026, the department interviewed the Administrator (A1), who denied the allegation that staff physically assaulted clients. A1 stated that clients are always in activity rooms with other staff and clients, making it impossible for any staff member to hit a client unnoticed. Additionally, the Administrator mentioned that the Day Program had conducted its own assessment of the incident in 2024.

On the same day, the department interviewed six other staff members (S1-S6), all of whom similarly denied the allegations. They affirmed that they would never hit any clients and had never witnessed any staff member physically assault a client in the Day Program.

Report continued on LIC9099C

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.

No deficiencies were cited.

An exit interview was conducted. A copy of the report was provided to the Administrator, Nkechi Anwuli.