May 2, 2024
What Happened
Complaint investigation substantiated allegations that staff confined children in dark bathroom/storage room with lights off as punishment and made them stand in corner. Staff member responsible was terminated. Type A and Type B citations issued.
Observations
- Staff 6 observed putting children in restroom and Rhino Room (napping storage) with lights off and door closed
- Staff 6 held door for up to 5 minutes while Child #1 kicked and cried
- Staff 6 put Child #3 in dark room for about 1 minute
- Staff 6 threatened Child #2 to behave or be put in 'Pumpkin Room' (dark storage room)
- Children 7, 8, 9 stated Pumpkin Room is dark room where beds are stored
- Child 9 stated 'if not being nice, go in there and stay in there forever'
- Staff 6 terminated as of 1/16/2024
Inspector Focus
Citations Issued
101223(a)(3) Personal Rights (a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights:(3) To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature including but not limited to: interference with functions of daily living including eating, sleeping or toileting; or withholding of shelter, clothing, medication or aids to physical functioning. This requirement is not met as evidence by: Based on interviews and observations, Staff 6 was punishing children by putting them in the restroom and/or the room where the napping equipment is kept also known as the Rhino Room that is accessible from a second door inside of the restroom then turning the lights off and shutting the door leaving children in the room by themselves which poses an immediate risk to the health and safety of children in care.
What does this citation mean? →101223(a)(2) Personal Rights (a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights:(2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs. This requirement is not met as evidence by: Based on interviews and observations, child obtained bruising/mark on her nose from crying and rubbing their face on the napping equipment which poses a potential risk to the health and safety of children in care.
What does this citation mean? →Data sourced from California Department of Social Services (CDSS) public records. Updated weekly. If you believe any information is inaccurate, report it here.