United Cerebral Palsy Center Closed for Code Violations

A 5-year-old autistic California girl drowned during a hydrotherapy session in a mineral pool in January - and under the supervision of three United Cerebral Palsy Dennis James Center employees.

Her death prompted an investigation that has since uncovered numerous health and safety code violations and led to the closure of the facility March 14. The public safety report alleged that the United Cerebral Palsy Dennis James Center in Cathedral City, Calif. had the following violations:

* Failure to provide care and supervision necessary to meet the needs of young Anyah Raven Glossinger
* Failure to obtain required criminal clearances on or before March 12 for 10 facility staff prior to the date of their employment
* Employment of seven unqualified staff persons who did not meet the training and educational background requirements to be teachers in a child care center
* Failure to employ a qualified child care center director
* Failure to comply with staff personnel requirements for three staff members

The investigation of the Center is ongoing, and the Desert Hot Springs Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation to determine if negligence played a part. The Angel View Crippled Children's Foundation Inc. facility - which houses the indoor mineral pool - is under investigation by the county health department.

It is so difficult making decisions for special needs children - right down to what kind of care they should receive and who should be administering that care. It's disturbing to know that those very caregivers may be underqualified and that our children could be at risk for completely avoidable injuries. If your child has been victim to negligence while in a child care facility or even under the care of a medical provider, contact a Personal Injury Attorney.