Incident investigation·December 10, 2024

On December 10, 2024, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Monique Ayala and Joanne Solorio Campos conducted an unannounced Case Management inspection for the above facility. The purpose of the inspection is to follow up on an incident that occurred on 11/13/2024 and was reported to the department on 11/20/2024. The incident is a possible personal rights violation. LPAs met with director, Samantha Montes who guided LPAs on a tour of the facility. LPAs observed 10 children with 4 staff members. Per director, there are additional arriving but are currently being picked up from school. During the inspection, LPAs interviewed Staff #1 (S1) to Staff #3 (S3), interviewed Child #1 (C1) to Child #2 (C2), obtained a current child's facility roster and a copy of the director plan of correction (POC). Staff #4 (S4) was not present at the facility for interviews. Based on interviews conducted, it was disclosed that S1 and S2 had a verbal altercation in front of children. Per C1 and C2, they saw S1 and S4 yelling at each other. Per S1-S3 and C1-C2, S1 and S4 were arguing about music. Per C1 and C2 they felt nervous, scared and surprised during the altercation. Per S2 she attempted to stop the altercation, but S1 and S4 were not listening and did not stop the altercation. Per S2 and S3, S3 was able to assist S1 in walking away from the incident. Per director, she spoke to both staff proper discipline was assessed. The facility is being cited a Type B deficiency in accordance with Title 22 Regulations, see LIC809D. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to director, Samantha Montes along with Appeal Rights. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must be posted for 30 days.