Follow-up on corrections·December 5, 2023

On December 5, 2023, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Raymond Moorehead & Elyse Jones arrived at the facility to conduct a Case Management inspection for the purpose of addressing separate matters that were discovered during an inspection at the facility. During the inspection LPAs conducted a tour of the facility and census was taken. LPAs reviewed and obtained records, conducted interviews with pertinent parties. During today’s interviews it was disclosed that a child has chronic biting behavior. It was disclosed that the child would bite other children daily while in care. LPAs reviewed documentation which revealed that between July-November of 2023 there were at least 13 incidents involving this child since enrollment. Authorized Representatives were informed by the former director that if the facility paused services or disenrolled the child, the child would need to return with a Behavioral Aide. In August of 2023, the Authorized Representative voluntarily paused services. In October of 2023, the child returned to the facility without a Behavioral Aide and the biting continued, resulting in eight additional bites since returning. Although most of the bites generated an Incident/Accident Report, which were signed by the staff in charge and the Parent/Guardian, Interim Director could not locate the Incident/Accident Report binder at the time of today's inspection. At this time, nothing substantial was implemented, in order to curve the biting or to ensure that all children’s Personal Rights are not being violated. Staff have offered a teether, redirection, shadowing and keeping the child close to Staff but none of the measures taken have been effective. See LIC 9099-D for the deficiencies cited. LIC 9224/Type A citation must be provided to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for the verification. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Alisa Holtegaard, Interim Director.