374604123-5-27-2025-18-AS-APEZ-DH5P4C-20250529105854

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 374604123
Report Date: 05/27/2025
Date Signed: 05/27/2025 11:29:07 AM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE ASC, 1650 SPRUCE ST STE 200 MS29-27
RIVERSIDE, CA 92507

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/19/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Janette Romero

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 18-AS-20250519161510

FACILITY NAME:	MERAKEY - WYNDEMERE		FACILITY NUMBER:	374604123
ADMINISTRATOR:	ADRIAN ARIAS		FACILITY TYPE:	737
ADDRESS:	26184 WYNDEMERE CT		TELEPHONE:	(442) 286-7548
CITY:	ESCONDIDO	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92026
CAPACITY:	4	CENSUS: 4	DATE:	05/27/2025
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:50 AM
MET WITH:	Administrator, Elizabeth Gauci		TIME COMPLETED:	11:40 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Facility staff did not prevent physical altercation between clients

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 5/27/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Janette Romero made an unannounced visit to the facility to investigate the allegation listed above. LPA met with Administrator, Elizabeth Gauci who was informed of the purpose of the visit.

LPA toured the facility, conducted interviews, and obtained copies of pertinent records. Regarding the allegation, "Facility staff did not prevent physical altercation between clients" it was alleged Client 1 (C1) was pushed by Client 2 (C2) on 5/15/2025. C1 was interviewed and reported the following information. C1 was conversing with staff when C2 interrupted and stated, "I'm talking to them" or words to that effect. C2 then pushed C1 and ran to the backyard. Staff 1 (S1) was standing next to C1 when the incident occurred and followed C2 to make sure C1 and C2 did not fight. C1 did not sustain any injuries or require medical treament.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Anthony Perez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Janette Romero
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 05/27/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/27/2025

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 18-AS-20250519161510

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE ASC, 1650 SPRUCE ST STE 200 MS29-27
RIVERSIDE, CA 92507

FACILITY NAME: MERAKEY - WYNDEMERE	FACILITY NUMBER: 374604123
	VISIT DATE: 05/27/2025

NARRATIVE

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LPA reviewed a Special Incident Report (SIR) dated 5/16/2025 documenting the following. On 5/14/2025, C1 asked staff a question when C2 responded, "No that's only for outing days". C1 reiterated the question to staff and C2 responded again stating, "that's only for outing days." C2 then pushed C1, ran outside and then ran through the back door into their room yelling. Staff checked on C1 and C1 was okay. The incident was reported to law enforcement. LPA attempted to conduct an interview with C2. However, C2 only reported C1 "was instigating" them and refused to provide any additional information. Administrator Gauci was interviewed and reported the incident occurred on 5/14/2025 and they notified San Diego Regional Center on 5/15/2025. Administrator added C2 dislikes deviating from scheduled activities and/or the typical structure at the facility, which may have triggered C2's response. LPA reviewed C1's Individual Program Plan (IPP) dated 5/15/2024 noting C1 is a polite person and is easily understood by others, can engage in reciprocal conversations and maintain eye contact. LPA reviewed C2's IPP dated 11/2/2022 noting the following. C2 understands and knows how to differentiate tone, context, and meaning in the conversations they are having. In the past, C2 has been known to ask people inappropriate questions to get a reaction out of them. S1 was interviewed, corroborated the information provided by C1, and added the following. Immediately after the incident, S1 and staff followed C2 to make sure the incident did not escalate. Staff was present when the incident occurred and successfully de-escalated the incident. C1 was assessed for injuries and reported they were okay.

Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is no preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur; therefore, the allegation is unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was reviewed and provided to Administrator Gauci along a Confidential Names list (LIC 811).

SUPERVISORS NAME: Anthony Perez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Janette Romero
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 05/27/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/27/2025

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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