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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 374604486
Report Date: 07/11/2025
Date Signed: 07/11/2025 03:10:35 PM

Unsubstantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO RO, 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
01/21/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Carmen Lopez
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 08-AS-20250121150927
FACILITY NAME:SWEET ANGELS BOARD & CAREFACILITY NUMBER:
374604486
ADMINISTRATOR:SANTELLA, JOCELYNFACILITY TYPE:
735
ADDRESS:7271 BROOKHAVEN RDTELEPHONE:
(619) 770-0394
CITY:SAN DIEGOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92114
CAPACITY:4CENSUS: 4DATE:
07/11/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
02:15 PM
MET WITH:Jocelyn Santella, AdministratorTIME COMPLETED:
02:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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- Facility staff grabbed client by the neck
- Facility staff threatened client
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carmen Lopez conducted an unannounced complaint visit to deliver investigative findings. LPA identified herself and was granted entry by Elaine Holley, caregiver. LPA stated the purpose of the visit and reviewed findings of the complaint with Administrator Jocelyn Santella.

The Department’s investigation consisted of interviews with staff, clients, and outside sources, and records review of relevant documents pertinent to this investigation. On January 22, 2025, it was alleged that the facility staff grabbed client by the neck and facility staff threatened client.

It was specifically alleged that staff #1 (S1) grabbed client #1 (C1) by the neck and told them to stop staring at them. According to an outside source #1 (OS1), they stated that the incident that occurred was meant to be playful. OS1 spoke with C1, who did not feel unsafe in their home. OS1 confirmed they did not observe any injuries or markings on C1.

(Continuation on LIC9099-C)
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Robyn Clark
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carmen Lopez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/11/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/11/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 2
Control Number 08-AS-20250121150927
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR. #109
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: SWEET ANGELS BOARD & CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 374604486
VISIT DATE: 07/11/2025
NARRATIVE
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(Continuation of LIC9099)

Client interviews confirmed they felt comfortable in their home. Interview with C1 said the incident took place at the kitchen table of their home. They were speaking with another client regarding staff and how they do not hurt them. C1 said they were joking around, and S1 pretended to place their hands around their neck. Later that night, law enforcement came to their home and attempted to arrest S1. C1 reiterated that S1 placed their hands loosely around their neck and confirmed S1 would never hurt or threaten any client. C2 confirmed that S1 is good to the clients and called S1 their “buddy.” According to S1, they confirmed that they placed their hands around C1's neck but said that it was playfully. S1 said they were in the kitchen, and C1 and the Administrator were at the kitchen table when the incident transpired. They joked and laughed after S1 playfully placed their hands on C1's neck and high-fived after that, amusingly. S1 acknowledged law enforcement went to the home to obtain statements, but then left after they confirmed C1 was safe.

A review of records was conducted. Per C1’s Individual Program Plan (IPP), C1 is able to communicate clearly their wants and needs. C1’s Physician’s Report (LIC602) confirms C1 is frequently able to communicate their needs. According to the facility’s incident report (LIC624), C1 denied to law enforcement that they had been hurt or threatened. According to the Special Incident Report (SIR), S1 had placed their hands on C1's neck lightly and felt that S1 was serious. C1 then went into their room and stayed there the rest of the night. The SIR further stated C1's neck was observed and there were no injuries or markings. According to the SIR, C1 feels safe living at home. According to text messages, between C1, the Administrator, and C1’s responsible person(s) (RPs), C1 reported S1 had placed their hands on C1. The Administrator followed up with a responding message confirming S1 placed their hands on C1's neck jokingly. The text message further informed the RP(s) that the Administrator had spoken to S1 regarding appropriateness and S1 promised it would not recur.

Based on the Department’s investigation of the above-mentioned allegations and the evidence obtained during staff and outside source interviews, and records reviewed, there is insufficient evidence to meet the preponderance of evidence standard. Therefore, the above allegations are deemed to be unsubstantiated.

The report was discussed, and an exit interview was conducted with Administrator Jocelyn Santella to whom a copy of this report, along with Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 3/22), were provided at the conclusion of the visit. The signature below confirms the receipt of these documents.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Robyn Clark
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carmen Lopez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/11/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/11/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 2