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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 565801433
Report Date: 09/09/2025
Date Signed: 09/09/2025 01:21:17 PM

Unsubstantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 21731 VENTURA BLVD. #250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/11/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Martha Arroyo
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 29-AS-20250311085613
FACILITY NAME:BRIGHTER TOMORROWSFACILITY NUMBER:
565801433
ADMINISTRATOR:ASHLEY EARLEFACILITY TYPE:
772
ADDRESS:1750B SOUTH LEWIS ROADTELEPHONE:
(805) 383-3669
CITY:CAMARILLOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93012
CAPACITY:15CENSUS: 15DATE:
09/09/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:30 PM
MET WITH:Ash EarleTIME COMPLETED:
01:30 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff did not properly store medication.
Staff is not adequately trained.
Staff does not provide scheduled activities for residents.
Staff not keeping hallway free of obstruction.
Insufficient staffing.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Martha Arroyo conducted a subsequent complaint visit to the above facility. The purpose of the visit is to deliver findings for the above allegations. The initial visit was conducted on 03/17/2025 by LPAs M. Arroyo and V. Conway, and a subsequent visit was conducted on 07/09/2025 by LPA M. Arroyo. On today’s visit, the LPA met with Residential Program Manager, Ash Earle and Clinical Director, Tiffany Curtis. Entrance interview conducted.

During the initial visit on 03/17/2025, the LPAs conducted a plant tour starting at 10:10 a.m., observed the centrally stored medications area and conducted a medications review starting at 10:22 a.m., conducted an interview with one staff at 9:55 a.m., and obtained copies of pertinent documents relevant to the investigation. On 07/09/2025, between 09:30 a.m. and 10:35 a.m., LPA Arroyo conducted interviews with two staff and two clients, conducted a medication review, and obtained copies of pertinent documents relevant to the investigation.

Report Continued on LIC 9099C...
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Desaree Perera
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Martha Arroyo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
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 7
Control Number 29-AS-20250311085613
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 21731 VENTURA BLVD. #250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
FACILITY NAME: BRIGHTER TOMORROWS
FACILITY NUMBER: 565801433
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025
NARRATIVE
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Report Continued from LIC 9099...

It was alleged that staff did not properly store medication. It was reported that medications were not being properly stored and secured. During the facility walkthrough, the LPA observed that the medication room was locked upon arrival. Additionally, inside the medication room, the medication cart was also observed to be locked. Interviews conducted with facility staff confirmed that the medication cart remains locked at all times, with the only exception being during active medication administration. Furthermore, the facility follows a schedule for distributing medications to clients during each shift. Based on observations and interviews conducted, the Department has insufficient evidence to support the allegation of “staff did not properly store medication”. Therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

It was also alleged that staff is not adequately trained. It was reported that facility staff are not adequately trained and unqualified to be administering medications to residents and safety drills are not being conducted quarterly. Per facility program, in Policy Title: Personnel Authorized for Medication Administration, it states under Procedure that “Medication is not administered by Casa staff. Residential Recovery Counselors are authorized to assist clients with medication self-administration…”. Additionally, per Policy Title: Ongoing Staff Training it states that “this program requires all staff complete 20 hours of training on an annual basis. There are certain trainings that are required on an annual basis and these trainings are incorporated into the program for ongoing staff training”. Record review of yearly staff trainings revealed that each staff member has at least 20 hours of training that includes medication training along with other training specific or related to their job specification. Additionally, record review of facility’s emergency disaster plan revealed that emergency disaster drills are being conducted quarterly as per regulation. Furthermore, record review and interviews conducted indicate that emergency disaster drills are being conducted at least once a month. Based on the information obtained and reviewed, the Department has insufficient evidence to support the allegation of “staff is not adequately trained”. Therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

Report Continued on LIC 9099C...

SUPERVISORS NAME: Desaree Perera
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Martha Arroyo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Control Number 29-AS-20250311085613
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 21731 VENTURA BLVD. #250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
FACILITY NAME: BRIGHTER TOMORROWS
FACILITY NUMBER: 565801433
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025
NARRATIVE
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Report Continued from LIC 9099C...

It was also alleged that staff does not provide scheduled activities for residents. It was reported that there is no curriculum scheduled for residents to follow. During a facility walkthrough, the LPA observed an Activity Calendar posted in the common area, listing at least three (3) different activities scheduled each day. Additionally, clients were observed actively participating in group activities at the time of the visit. Interviews with staff revealed that a treatment plan is developed for each client, specifying the number of hours they are expected to participate in activities each week. Staff stated that clients are encouraged, but never forced to participate in specific activities. Client interviews corroborated with staff interviews, as clients confirmed that although they are given a specific number of hours to participate in each week, they are not required to join any particular activity. Additionally, clients reported that there are group activities they enjoy and look forward to participating in. Based on the information obtained and reviewed, the Department has insufficient evidence to support the allegation of “staff does not provide scheduled activities for residents”. Therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

It was also alleged that staff are not keeping hallway free of obstruction. During the visit on 03/17/2025, the LPA, along with the Residential Program Manager, conducted a walkthrough of the facility. The following was observed: the facility has two (2) janitorial closets, both of which were locked and inaccessible to clients at the time of the visit. Brooms, mops, and other cleaning supplies were observed stored inside the janitorial closets. Staff interviews confirmed that all cleaning supplies are properly stored when not in use. Furthermore, all hallways were observed to be clean and free of any obstructions. Based on observations and interviews, the Department has insufficient evidence to support the allegation of “staff not keeping hallway free of obstruction”. Therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

It was further alleged that there is Insufficient staffing. It was reported that staff is rotated between facilities; however, there are not enough to cover all houses. Record review of facilities plan of operation revealed that a certain number of staff is expected to work for each shift. Per facility program, in Policy Title: Staffing it states that One (1) Residential Recovery Counselor is scheduled for the Casa on the day shift and two (2) Residential Recovery Counselors are scheduled on the evening and night shifts seven days a week. During the course of the investigation, the LPA obtained and reviewed timecards and staff schedules for the month of February 2025 and conducted interviews with both staff and clients. At the time of the complaint, there were at least two staff members scheduled for each shift in the AM, PM, and NOC shifts.

Report Continued on LIC 9099C...

SUPERVISORS NAME: Desaree Perera
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Martha Arroyo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 7
Control Number 29-AS-20250311085613
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 21731 VENTURA BLVD. #250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
FACILITY NAME: BRIGHTER TOMORROWS
FACILITY NUMBER: 565801433
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025
NARRATIVE
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Report Continued from LIC 9099C...

Timecards confirmed that, although staff schedules varied, there was sufficient coverage to address unforeseen shortages. Record review and interviews further revealed the availability of additional on-call staff, as well as the use of outside agency staffing when needed. Staff interviews indicated that there are typically at least three staff members present during the AM and PM shifts, and at least two staff members during the NOC shift. Staff also reported the use of ‘floaters’ who are able to move freely throughout the facilities to provide assistance as needed. Staff stated that staffing has been adequate and stable, with no concerns reported. Additionally, two out of two clients interviewed expressed no concerns about staffing and added that there are always at least two staff members on duty during each shift. Furthermore, a review of Guardian Background Check System reports verified that all staff are fingerprint-cleared and associated with all facilities on the premises, allowing them to work double shifts or be reassigned to different facilities as necessary. Based on the information obtained and reviewed during the course of the investigation, the Department has insufficient evidence to support the allegation of “insufficient staffing”. Therefore, this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

Exit interview. A copy of the report was provided.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Desaree Perera
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Martha Arroyo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 21731 VENTURA BLVD. #250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/11/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Martha Arroyo
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 29-AS-20250311085613

FACILITY NAME:BRIGHTER TOMORROWSFACILITY NUMBER:
565801433
ADMINISTRATOR:ASHLEY EARLEFACILITY TYPE:
772
ADDRESS:1750B SOUTH LEWIS ROADTELEPHONE:
(805) 383-3669
CITY:CAMARILLOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93012
CAPACITY:15CENSUS: 15DATE:
09/09/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:30 PM
MET WITH:Ash EarleTIME COMPLETED:
01:30 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff mishandling residents’ medication.
Staff not administering residents’ medication as prescribed.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Martha Arroyo conducted a subsequent complaint visit to the above facility. The purpose of the visit is to deliver findings for the above allegations. The initial visit was conducted on 03/17/2025 by LPAs M. Arroyo and V. Conway, and a subsequent visit was conducted on 07/09/2025 by LPA M. Arroyo. On today’s visit, the LPA met with Residential Program Manager, Ash Earle and Clinical Director, Tiffany Curtis. Entrance interview conducted.

During the initial visit on 03/17/2025, the LPAs conducted a plant tour starting at 10:10 a.m., observed the centrally stored medications area and conducted a medications review starting at 10:22 a.m., conducted an interview with one staff at 9:55 a.m., and obtained copies of pertinent documents relevant to the investigation. On 07/09/2025, between 09:30 a.m. and 10:35 a.m., LPA Arroyo conducted interviews with two staff and two clients, conducted a medication review, and obtained copies of pertinent documents relevant to the investigation.

Report Continued on LIC 9099C...
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Desaree Perera
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Martha Arroyo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
Control Number 29-AS-20250311085613
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 21731 VENTURA BLVD. #250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
FACILITY NAME: BRIGHTER TOMORROWS
FACILITY NUMBER: 565801433
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025
NARRATIVE
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Report Continued from LIC 9099...

It was alleged that staff is mishandling residents’ medication and staff is not administering residents’ medication as prescribed. It was reported that there have been medication errors due to facility staff administering wrong dosages and medications not administered as prescribed. During the medication review conducted on 03/17/2025, the LPAs identified discrepancies in the medication records for one (1) out of four (4) clients. Specifically, the pill counts in the bubble packs did not match the records documented on the Centrally Stored Medication and Destruction Record (CSMDR), and the Medication Administration Record (MAR) did not indicate that the medication had been refused. Additionally, per staff interviews, the log for missed or refused medications is not being updated in a timely manner to reflect accurate medication counts. Furthermore, the LPAs found that medications for two (2) out of four (4) clients were not properly documented on the CSMDR. The following issues were noted during the review: For Client #1 (C1), the CSMDR indicates a start date of 03/06/2025, for Divalproex Sodium DR 500mg tablets, prescribed as one tablet in the morning and two tablets at bedtime. However, the morning bubble pack had seven (7) tablets popped out, and the bedtime pack had six (6) popped out. If administered as prescribed, there should be twelve (12) tablets used for the morning dose and eleven (11) for the evening dose. The MAR does not indicate that C1 refused any doses of this medication. For Client #2 (C2), the controlled medication Clonazepam 1mg tablet, prescribed as one tablet by mouth at bedtime, was started on 03/01/2025, but was not documented on the CSMDR. Similarly, for Client #3 (C3), the PRN medication Clonazepam 0.5mg tablet, prescribed as 1/2 tablet by mouth once daily as needed for agitation or insomnia, had been administered eight (8) times. However, it was not documented on the CSMDR. Based on the information obtained through records and medications review, the Department has sufficient evidence to say the alleged violations occurred. Therefore, allegations “staff is mishandling residents’ medication” and “staff is not administering residents’ medication as prescribed” are deemed Substantiated at this time.

The following deficiencies were observed (See LIC 809-D.) and cited from the California Code of Regulations, Title 22 and California Health and Safety Code. Failure to correct the deficiencies may result in civil penalties.

Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report and appeal rights were provided.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Desaree Perera
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Martha Arroyo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 29-AS-20250311085613
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 21731 VENTURA BLVD. #250
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364

FACILITY NAME: BRIGHTER TOMORROWS
FACILITY NUMBER: 565801433
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
09/12/2025
Section Cited
CCR
87465(a)(4)
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Incidental Medical and Dental Care. (a) A plan for incidental medical and dental care shall be developed by each facility. (4) The licensee shall assist residents with self-administered medications as needed. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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The facility has conducted staff medication training in the last 30 days and has agreed to submit documentation / proof to CCL by POC due date.
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Based on record review and observations, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above, as 1 out of 4 client’s medication pill count did not match that on records and 2 out of 4 client’s medications were not documented on the CSMDR when received, which poses an immediate health and safety risk to clients in care.
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Desaree Perera
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Martha Arroyo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7