374604345-10-31-2023-08-AS-IESA-CX68WR-20231031225310

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 374604345
Report Date: 10/30/2023
Date Signed: 10/31/2023 08:37:10 AM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SO. CAL AC/SC, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR. #109
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
09/06/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Daniel Pena

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 08-AS-20230906124503

FACILITY NAME:	RANCHO DIGIUS		FACILITY NUMBER:	374604345
ADMINISTRATOR:	MONTES, FROILAN		FACILITY TYPE:	735
ADDRESS:	2445 BROADWAY		TELEPHONE:	(619) 468-5700
CITY:	SAN DIEGO	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92102
CAPACITY:	49	CENSUS: 48	DATE:	10/30/2023
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	12:20 PM
MET WITH:	Froilan Montes, Administrator		TIME COMPLETED:	04:00 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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• Personal rights
• Staff denied clients food
• Staff did not follow facility menu
• Staff did not accord clients dignity and respect

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 10/30/2023, at about 12:20 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Daniel Pena, conducted an unannounced visit to the facility to conclude a complaint investigation. LPA identified himself to and explained the purpose of the visit to Froilan Montes, Administrator.

On 09/09/2023, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) received a complaint alleging staff did not prevent clients from using illegal drugs, provided inadequate food service, failed to follow the facility menu and violated client personal rights.

The Department’s investigation consisted of staff and client interviews, record reviews and investigative observation. On 09/13/2023, in an interview with Staff 1 (S1), they informed CCLD that currently there are no problems associated with clients engaging in illegal drug use while at the facility. S1 stated in response to previous client drug use incidents, the facility implemented strict measures to dissuade clients from using illegal drugs at the facility. These measures include a third-strike rule, issuing 30-day eviction notices, room searches and regular welfare room checks.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Simon Jacob	TELEPHONE: (619) 767-2306
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Daniel Pena	TELEPHONE: (619) 767-2301
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/30/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/30/2023

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 08-AS-20230906124503

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SO. CAL AC/SC, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR. #109
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

FACILITY NAME: RANCHO DIGIUS	FACILITY NUMBER: 374604345
	VISIT DATE: 10/30/2023

NARRATIVE

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On 09/13/23 and 10/30/23, CCLD investigators interviewed clients who denied using or witnessing other clients use illegal drugs at the facility. Clients told CCLD that a couple years ago, the facility had several incidents where clients were using illegal drugs. The clients said the facility now enforces a rule where clients are automatically served with a 30-day eviction notice if they are caught using illegal drugs. Clients also report that the facility conducts weekly room searches. A third-strike policy is used as well. In addition, S1 was interviewed and informed CCLD that staff conducts one to two hour status and room checks throughout the day and night. Per staff and clients, the eviction warnings seem to have served well in preventing clients from using illegal drugs at the facility.

CCLD interviewed a witness who initially reported clients were taking illegal drugs. The witness later recanted the allegation during an interview. The witness said there was “drama” between some clients and a former employee and the allegation regarding the illegal drug use is not timely nor accurate. The witness told CCLD that the facility holds clients accountable if they use illegal drugs at the facility.

As to the allegations that staff denied clients food, did not follow the facility menu and did not accord clients dignity and respect, this investigation determined the following. Client interviews indicate they are well fed. Client interviews reported that staff serves clients a variety of meals and second servings and sometimes thirds are offered. Clients stated that kitchen staff expect clients to be on time for meals so if they don’t arrive on time, they may miss a meal. Clients said there is nothing wrong with the staff or the meals at the facility. Staff interviews reported that the facility menu is kept in the kitchen and clients have access to it. Some clients would like more variety but no clients corroborated the allegation that staff do not follow the menu.
Finally, an alleged incident where a client was ridiculed by staff for an accidental bowel movement could not be confirmed due to no supporting evidence and conflicting accounts of the incident.

The Department has investigated the complaint that staff did not prevent clients from using illegal drugs, provided inadequate food service, failed to follow the facility menu and violated client personal rights. Based on CCLD interviews with staff and clients, no corroborating information was brought forth to support the allegations. The Preponderance of Evidence Standard was not met. Therefore, this complaint and its allegations are Unsubstantiated.

An exit interview was conducted with Administrator Montes, whose signature below confirms receipt of a copy of this report and the Licensee Appeal Rights (LIC9058 01/16).

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Simon Jacob	TELEPHONE: (619) 767-2306
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Daniel Pena	TELEPHONE: (619) 767-2301
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 10/30/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/30/2023

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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