Growing Concerns Over Residential Treatment Facilities in Orange County
On a recent Friday, leaders from Orange County gathered to address a pressing issue that has been highlighted by a recent audit: the regulation of residential treatment and recovery facilities. The audit revealed serious concerns regarding the inspection and monitoring of these facilities, prompting local officials to call for more stringent oversight.
Audit Findings Raise Alarm
The audit, conducted by the Office of the State Auditor of California, examined the Department of Health Care Services, which oversees treatment facilities across the state. It found that Southern California, particularly Orange County, has a higher concentration of treatment facilities that serve six or fewer residents. This concentration raises questions about the adequacy of state oversight, which has been described as neither timely nor thorough.
Supervisor Katrina Foley, representing Orange County’s fifth district, emphasized the alarming number of facilities in the area during a news conference. She pointed to a map dotted with blue markers, each representing a residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. “Orange County has more of those facilities than any other county in the state,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for better regulation.
The Need for Regulation
Foley argued that if California can regulate various industries, it should also be able to regulate facilities that care for vulnerable individuals during their most challenging times. The audit revealed that the state does not impose limits on the number of facilities in a specific area, nor does it require licenses for sober living homes housing six or fewer residents. This lack of regulation has led to concerns about the safety and well-being of both residents in these facilities and the surrounding community.
State Senator Janet Nguyen echoed these sentiments, expressing uncertainty about the actual number of sober living homes in the community. “There could be hundreds,” she warned, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in the oversight of these facilities.
Legislative Intent and Community Impact
Assemblywoman Diane Dixon, who requested the audit in May 2023, pointed out that the over-concentration of treatment facilities contradicts the original intent of the legislature. The closure of larger state institutions was meant to facilitate smaller, community-based facilities, but the current situation seems to have strayed from that goal. Dixon emphasized the importance of ensuring that these facilities operate in a manner that aligns with legislative intent and community safety.
Delays in Complaint Investigations
One of the most concerning findings of the audit was the Department of Health Care Services’ failure to promptly investigate complaints about treatment facilities. On average, the department took 183 days to assign complaints, significantly exceeding the mandated 10-day timeframe. This delay raises serious questions about the responsiveness of the state to issues that could directly impact the safety of residents and their neighbors.
Community Voices: Real-Life Experiences
The impact of these facilities is not just a matter of statistics; it is felt in the everyday lives of residents. Andre Ramirez, a Fountain Valley resident, shared his concerns about the sober living homes in his neighborhood. He described how children in the area have dubbed one of the homes the “scary house,” reflecting the fear and unease that has permeated the community. Ramirez recounted instances of individuals from these facilities roaming the streets, engaging in disruptive behavior, and even using drugs in parks designated for children.
Safety Concerns Highlighted
The audit findings have led local leaders to conclude that both patients in these facilities and the surrounding community are at risk. Supervisor Foley cited troubling incidents, including improper medication administration and violent occurrences. She referenced a tragic shooting in Newport Beach in August 2021, where a patient who had left a state-licensed facility broke into a neighboring home and was shot and killed by the occupant. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for improved oversight and regulation of treatment facilities.
A Call for Action
As the conversation around the regulation of residential treatment facilities continues, Orange County leaders are advocating for immediate action. They stress the importance of creating a safer environment for both those seeking recovery and the communities in which these facilities operate. The findings of the audit serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the necessity for a comprehensive approach to regulation that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all involved.