NOVEMBER 08, 2002- Director Noelle A. Clark announced today that the  Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS), has issued an Adult Foster Care license effective today to Victoria Chapman of 1325 Beard Street in Flint, which brings the previously unlicensed facility in compliance with state law.

The CIS Bureau of Family Services, which licenses and regulates adult foster care and homes for the aged, received a complaint on September 13, 2002 that Victoria Chapman was operating an unlicensed adult foster care home at her residence.  CIS’ investigation determined that Ms. Chapman was in fact operating an unlicensed facility in violation of Act No. 218 of the Public Acts of 1979, as amended. 

Ms. Chapman agreed to become licensed to comply with the law, and was given until October 31, 2002 to complete the license application process. After a home inspection, the deadline was extended an additional week to complete minor home repairs and submit additional application materials. A follow-up inspection on November 7 confirmed that the home was physically suitable for an Adult Foster Care and the required documents were obtained. The application was reviewed and approved today as “Carol’s AFC” License #AF250252347 for care of up to five residents and takes immediate effect. 

In the event the application was not completed by this deadline, the CIS Bureau of Family Services was prepared to refer the matter to the Office of Attorney General for injunctive action to close the unlicensed facility. The Family Independence Agency Adult Protective Services had been alerted to assist with the relocation of residents who would be in need of Adult Foster Care.

“Fortunately we found that injunctive action wasn’t necessary in this case and Ms. Chapman has been very cooperative. I commend the Bureau of Family Services staff for working closely with Ms. Chapman to help her bring the home in compliance with state law as quickly as possible to protect the residents of the home,” Clark said.

Clark said it is imperative for consumers to understand that assisted living facilities, which often offer meals, housekeeping and other services, are NOT regulated by the state. However, adult foster care facilities and homes for the aged offering these services along with 24-hour supervision are licensed, inspected and regulated by the State of Michigan.

If a neighbor, resident’s family member, or community member has a concern about a facility, they are encouraged to contact the Disciplinary Action Division at 517.373.8383 or via email at sweber@michigan.gov. An online complaint form is available at http://www.cis.state.mi.us/brs/complaint.htm.

“The first question consumers should ask when choosing a facility for a loved one is ‘Is this facility licensed?’ State licensure means that the facility meets minimal health and safety standards and the state can take enforcement action for failure to maintain these levels of care,” Clark said. “We feel an educated consumer is the best type of consumer so we offer the tools they need to find this information quickly and easily on the Michigan.gov website.

Licensed adult foster care and homes for the aged facilities can be found by visiting http://www.michigan.gov/cis and clicking on “Family and Health Services.”  Consumers can search for a facility by location or type or determine if a certain facility has had any licensing violations within the past year.  Additionally, there is online access to any licensing or investigation reports issued since 7-1-2002.

Click here for  more information on adult foster care licensing.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.