Hanna Boys Center Reaches Agreement with State Licensing Authority to Continue Operations
SONOMA, Calif. (PRWEB) March 21, 2018 -- Hanna Boys Center announced today that it has reached an agreement with the Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services to stay revocation of its license and allow it to continue to operate as a group home for at-risk teen boys. This State Licensing agency is responsible for overseeing all group homes in California.
The Department of Social Services initiated legal action in late 2017 (CDSS case #7217114201), seeking to revoke Hanna Boys Center’s license to operate as a residential facility. This action was based on allegations of sexual abuse and safety concerns that had surfaced over recent months. Since these incidents have come to light, Hanna has worked closely with Licensing to put in place a number of safety measures and policies aimed at reducing the likelihood of future occurrences. These actions include expanded training for staff and residents, installing GPS locators in all agency vehicles, increased staff-to-resident ratios, and a host of new reporting and transportation policies aimed at ensuring the safety of its residents.
The terms of the agreement reached require Hanna to operate in a probationary mode for the next three years, allowing the Center to continue housing, treating and educating at-risk teen boys with heightened Licensing oversight.
“We’re pleased to reach an agreement with Licensing over this issue,” said Hanna CEO Brian Farragher. “I know both organizations share an appreciation of the vital role Hanna has played and continues to play in the lives of the boys and families we serve. The incidents that have come to light over the past year have shocked and saddened everyone. Yet we have learned so much from them, and are confident that our ongoing partnership with Licensing will help us continue to strengthen our operations, reduce the possibility of future incidents and better ensure the safety of the young people entrusted to our care.”
About Hanna Boys Center
Since 1945, Hanna Boys Center has changed the lives of thousands of at-risk, motivated youth through faith, education and caring, helping them grow into productive members of society. Hanna exists to help at-risk teens overcome the effects of childhood adversity—to become responsible, productive adults and realize their highest potential. We do this by providing a nurturing and therapeutic residential environment, a tailored educational model, and trained, caring adults who help kids create positive, permanent change in their lives. http://www.hannacenter.org
Chris Jones, Hanna Boys Center, http://www.hannacenter.org, 707-933-2520, [email protected]
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