01-001761 Charlie And Elizabeth Hankerson vs. Department Of Children And Family Services
 Status: Closed
Recommended Order on Thursday, September 27, 2001.


View Dockets  
Summary: The Department presented sufficient evidence to establish facts to show a violation of the licensing standards and thereby was authorized to deny relicensure.

1STATE OF FLORIDA

4DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

8CHARLIE AND ELIZABETH )

12HANKERSON, )

14)

15Petitioners, )

17)

18vs. ) Case No. 01-1761

23)

24DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND )

29FAMILY SERVICES, )

32)

33Respondent. )

35)

36RECOMMENDED ORDER

38Upon due notice, William R. Cave, an Administrative Law

47Judge for the Division of Administrative Hearings, held a formal

57hearing in this matter on June 27, 2001, in Sebring, Florida.

68APPEARANCES

69For Petitioner : Charlie and Elizabeth Hankerson, pro se

781240 Grand Avenue

81Sebring, Florida 33870

84For Respondent : Jack Emory Farley, Esquire

91Department of Children and

95Family Services

974720 Old Highway 37

101Lakeland, Florida 33813-2030

104STATEMENT OF THE ISSUE

108Should Petitioners' application for annual renewal of their

116foster care license be denied?

121PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

123By letter dated March 20, 2001, the Department of Children

133and Family Services (Department) advised Petitioners that their

141Application to Renew Foster Care License had been denied. As

151grounds therefor, the Department alleges that Petitioners failed

159to abide by the Partnership Agreement signed by Petitioner

168Elizabeth Hankerson on March 19, 1998, and the Partnership

177Agreement signed by Elizabeth Hankerson and Charlie Hankerson on

186May 19, 1999, in that: (a) during a relicensure inspection on

197February 7, 2001, several unsafe and unsanitary conditions in

206Petitioners' home were noted in violation of Rule 65C-

21513.011(11)(b), Florida Administrative Code; (b) during a

222relicensure inspection on February 7, 2001, several unsafe and

231unsanitary conditions were noted in Petitioners' yard in

239violation of Rule 65C-13.011(11)(b), Florida Administrative

245Code; (c) during a relicensure inspection on February 8, 2001,

255the licensing counselor noted several objects, materials, and

263conditions in the home which constituted a danger to children in

274violation of Rule 65C-13.011(11)(b), Florida Administrative

280Code; (d) during a relicensure inspection on February 8, 2001,

290the licensing counselor noted several containers of medicine and

299of chemicals that were not stored in a locked container in

310violation of Rule 65C-13.011(14)(a), Florida Administrative

316Code; (e) during a relicensure inspection on February 9, 2001,

326the licensing counselor noted that the unsafe conditions noted

335during the February 7 and 8, 2001, inspections had not been

346corrected in violation of Rule 65C-13.011(11)(b) and (12)(a),

354Florida Administrative Code; and (d) during a follow-up visit on

364February 19, 2001, many conditions and situations unsafe for

373children were observed in the home and the yard as previously

384noted in violation of Rule 65C-13.011(11)(b) and (12)(a),

392Florida Administrative Code. By an undated letter received by

401the Department on April 10, 2001, Petitioners requested a

410hearing on the denial of their renewal application. By Notice

420dated May 4, 2001, the Department referred this matter to the

431Division of Administrative Hearings (Division) for the

438assignment of an Administrative Law Judge and for the conduct of

449a formal hearing.

452At the hearing, Petitioners presented the testimony of

460Elizabeth Hankerson, Deloris Cox, Maggie T. Walker, and Linda

469Faye Wynn. Petitioners' Exhibits 1 through 5 were admitted in

479evidence. The Department presented the testimony of Faye Olds,

488Karen Luther, Shawna Vest, and Evelyn Alvarado. The

496Department’s Exhibits 1 through 14 were admitted in evidence.

505Rule 65C-13.011(11)(b) ,(12)(a), and (14)(a), Florida

511Administrative Code, was officially recognized.

516A Transcript of this proceeding was filed with the Division

526on July 11, 2001. The Department timely filed its Proposed

536Recommended Order. Petitioners elected not to file a proposed

545recommended order.

547FINDINGS OF FACT

550Upon consideration of the oral and documentary evidence

558adduced at the hearing, the following relevant findings of fact

568are made:

5701. The Department is the agency of the State of Florida

581charged with the responsibility of licensing family foster

589homes.

5902. Petitioners were first licensed as a foster home by the

601Department in March 1996.

6053. On March 19, 1998, Petitioner Elizabeth Hankerson

613entered into a Partnership Agreement with the Department, which

622in pertinent part provides:

626Partnership Agreement

628* * *

631In Re : Lack of supervision/Consistency to

638keep home within foster care licensing

644standards/Disciplinary methods:

646This partnership agreement has the intention

652to address two safety issues that were

659reported in this home. The first one refers

667to the lack of adult supervision for the

675foster children when the foster mother, Mrs.

682Hankerson, is working in her beauty salon.

689The other issue is related to the lack of

698consistency in keeping the foster home

704within standards that will assure that

710children are free of hazards.

715(Emphasis furnished.)

717Parents' tasks:

719* * *

7224. The foster mother will keep scissors,

729razors, electric equipment and chemicals

734used in her beauty salon out of the reach of

744children and locked in a cabinet. The

751foster mother will keep the key on her at

760all times.

762* * *

7656. The foster mother will keep the home

773sanitized to the best of her abilities to

781avoid risk of allergies and infections in

788the foster children.

7917. The foster mother will keep laundry

798clothes in a closet or place else than the

807floor thus avoiding a fire hazard that could

815put the whole family at risk.

8218. The foster home must be maintained to

829such extent that sanitation inspection may

835be passed at any time with a satisfactory

843rating.

8444. On May 19, 1999, Elizabeth Hankerson and Charlie

853Hankerson entered into a Partnership Agreement with the

861Department, which in pertinent part provides:

867Partnership Agreement

869* * *

872In Re : Lack of supervision/Consistency to

879keep home within the foster care licensing

886standards/Disciplinary methods:

888This partnership agreement has the intention

894to address two safety issues that were

901reported in this home. The first one refers

909to the lack of adult supervision for the

917foster children when the foster mother, Mrs.

924Hankerson, is working in her beauty salon.

931The other issue is related to the lack of

940consistency in keeping the foster home

946within standards that will assure that

952children are free of hazards.

957(Emphasis furnished.)

959* * *

962Parents' tasks:

964* * *

9674. The foster mother will keep scissors,

974razors, electric equipment, and chemicals

979used in her beauty salon out of the reach of

989children and locked in a cabinet. The

996foster mother will keep the key on her at

1005all times.

1007* * *

10106. The foster parents will keep the home

1018sanitized to the best of her abilities to

1026avoid risk of allergies and infections in

1033the foster children.

1036* * *

10397. The foster parents will keep laundry

1046clothes in a closet or place else than the

1055floor thus avoiding a fire hazard that could

1063put the whole family at risk.

10698. The foster home must be maintained to

1077such extent that a sanitation inspection may

1084be passed at any time with a satisfactory

1092rating.

10935. On February 7, 2001, Karen Luther (Luther), a licensing

1103counselor with the Department, visited Petitioners' home in

1111anticipation of Petitioners filing their application for the

1119annual renewal of their foster care license. At the time of

1130this visit, Petitioners were caring for two foster children in

1140their home, ages 3 years and 15 years.

11486. During her visit on February 7, 2001, Luther observed

1158conditions in Petitioners' home that she considered to be

1167unsanitary or unsafe for children. Those conditions were: (a)

1176exposed light bulbs in a ceiling fixture; (b) a light switch

1187taped over to prevent the switch from being used; (c) missing

1198wall tiles in the main bathroom; (d) black mold growing on the

1210lower bathroom tiles and on the front and back of the bathtub in

1223the main bathroom; (e) a half-bath filled with debris and stored

1234objects stacked approximately six feet high; (f) kitchen

1242cabinets that could not be closed exposing the contents to the

1253children; and (g) a cabinet in the utility room with a severely

1265bent door, which made cleaning chemicals that were stored in the

1276cabinet accessible to the children.

12817. During her visit on February 7, 2001, Luther also

1291observed conditions in Petitioners' yard which she considered

1299constituted a danger to the children. Those conditions were:

1308(a) rebar (metal rods) sticking out of a foundation used as an

1320outdoor patio; (b) large amounts of broken glass; (c) a curtain

1331rod; (d) a large pile of rusty nails; (e) a part of a burned

1345storage shed filled with debris; (f) auto hub caps and tires;

1356(g) high weeds; (h) machinery and truck parts, including a

1366transmission; (i) a rusted gasoline can, many metal objects,

1375pieces of a broken storm window, cans, broken pottery, stuffed

1385toys, screwdrivers, large rolls of fencing, fence posts, an

1394unlicensed van filled with clothing; and an abandoned boat.

14038. On February 8, 2001, Shawna Vest (Vest), child

1412protective investigator, visited Petitioners' home for the

1419purpose of investigating a Florida Abuse Hotline Report alleging

1428conditions hazardous to the two foster children residing in the

1438home. While in the home, Vest observed: (a) a knife and a

1450bottle of Mylanta on the kitchen counter within reach of the

1461three-year old child; (b) containers of barbecue sauce, mustard,

1470salt and seasonings that were opened and within reach of the

1481three-year child; (c) scum building up on the outside of the

1492girl's bathroom, a curling iron exposed, and cleaning materials

1501not locked in a cabinet; (d) missing tile from the wall and mold

1514along the edges in the boys' bathroom; (e) a container of Hot

1526Shot insecticide out in the open in Elizabeth Hankerson's

1535bathroom, which was accessible to the children; and (d) some

1545children's medicine and aerosols out in the open accessible to

1555the children in Elizabeth Hankerson's bedroom.

15619. On February 8, 2001, while visiting Petitioners' home,

1570Vest observed a partially burned shed, broken glass, broken

1579machinery, tires, hubcaps, an abandoned van, an abandoned boat,

1588and generally, a junk area. Vest closed the Florida Abuse

1598Hotline Report as verified.

160210. On February 9, 2001, Petitioners filed an application

1611with the Department for renewal of their foster care license.

162111. On February 14, 2001, Elizabeth Hankerson visited with

1630Luther in her office. Luther advised Elizabeth Hankerson that

1639Petitioners' home did not meet the requirements of the relevant

1649administrative rules and that Petitioners would have to clean

1658the house and remove all safety hazards from the house and yard

1670in order to meet the requirements for licensure renewal.

167912. On February 19, 2001, Luther visited Petitioners' home

1688and observed that Petitioners had made some effort to bring the

1699house and yard into compliance in that Petitioners had removed

1709the stored objects from the half bathroom. However, Luther also

1719observed: (a) bare light bulbs still in the boys' bedroom; (b)

1730kitchen cabinets that still did not close properly so as to deny

1742the children access; (c) the doors of the cabinet in the utility

1754room were still bent allowing the children access. Luther

1763observed that although some of the safety hazards had been

1773removed from the backyard, most of them remained, including the

1783partially burnt shed, which had burned in April 1999. Luther

1793also observed that the debris, which had been removed from the

1804yard, had been placed in a watermelon truck on the edge of

1816property and was still accessible to the children.

182413. Evelyn Alvarado (Alvarado), supervisor of licensing

1831for the Department's Sebring office, was present during the time

1841Luther visited Petitioners' home on February 7 and 19, 2001.

1851Alvarado observed the same unsafe conditions as Luther observed

1860on those dates.

186314. On February 26, 2001, Alvarado advised Petitioners

1871that their home, including the yard, was not safe for children

1882in that conditions still remained in the home and the yard which

1894constituted a danger to the children. Thereafter, on March 20,

19042001, the Department advised Petitioners that their application

1912for the annual renewal of their foster care license had been

1923denied.

192415. Based on the testimonies of Luther, Vest, and

1933Alvarado, which I find to be credible, there is sufficient

1943evidence to establish facts to show that a number of conditions

1954existed in the home and the yard which constituted a danger to

1966the foster children living in the home, notwithstanding any

1975testimony of Elizabeth Hankerson to the contrary, which I find

1985lacks credibility.

1987CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

199016. The Division of Administrative Hearings has

1997jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this

2007proceeding pursuant to Section 120.57(1), Florida Statutes.

201417. The burden of proof is on the party asserting the

2025affirmative of an issue before an administrative tribunal,

2033Florida Department of Transportation v. J.W.C. Company, Inc. ,

2041396 So. 2d 778 (Fla. 1st DCA 1981). The Department has the

2053burden of proof in this proceeding. To meet its burden, the

2064Department must establish facts upon which its allegations are

2073based by a preponderance of the evidence. Department of Banking

2083and Finance, Division of Securities and Investor Protection v.

2092Osborne Stern Company , 670 So. 2d 932 (Fla. 1996), Section

2102120.57(1)(j), Florida Statutes, and Section 409.175(2)(f),

2108Florida Statutes.

211018. Section 409.175(8)(a)(b )2., provides as follows:

2117(8)(a ) The department may deny, suspend,

2124or revoke a license.

2128(b ) Any of the following actions by a

2137home or agency or its personnel is a ground

2146for denial, suspension, or revocation of a

2153license.

2154* * *

21572. A violation of the provisions of this

2165section or of licensing rules promulgated

2171pursuant to this section.

217519. Rule 65C-13.011(11)(b), 12(a), and (14)(e), Florida

2182Administrative Code, sets forth certain minimum standards for

2190licensure of family foster homes as follows:

2197(11 ) Physical Environment.

2201* * *

2204(b ) The home and premises must be free

2213from objects, materials, and conditions

2218which constitute a danger to children.

2224(Emphasis furnished.)

2226* * *

2229(12 ) Play Area and Equipment.

2235* * *

2238(a ) The home must have a safe outdoor

2247play area as part of the property or within

2256reasonable walking distance.

2259* * *

2262(14 ) Foster Home Safety.

2267* * *

2270(a ) All medications, poisonous chemicals,

2276and cleaning materials must be in a locked

2284place and inaccessible to children.

228920. Clearly, Petitioners violated the Partnership

2295Agreements by failing to keep their home within the foster care

2306licensing standards. However, the Partnership Agreements

2312notwithstanding, the Department has met its burden to show that

2322Petitioners violated the above-cited licensing standards for

2329foster homes.

2331RECOMMENDATION

2332Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of

2342Law, it is recommended that the Department enter a final order

2353denying Petitioners' application for the annual renewal of their

2362foster care license.

2365DONE AND ENTERED this 27th day of September, 2001, in

2375Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.

2379___________________________________

2380WILLIAM R. CAVE

2383Administrative Law Judge

2386Division of Administrative Hearings

2390The DeSoto Building

23931230 Apalachee Parkway

2396Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060

2399(850) 488- 9675 SUNCOM 278-9675

2404Fax Filing (850) 921-6847

2408www.doah.state.fl.us

2409Filed with the Clerk of the

2415Division of Administrative Hearings

2419this 27th day of September, 2001.

2425COPIES FURNISHED:

2427Virginia A. Daire, Agency Clerk

2432Department of Children and

2436Family Services

2438Building 2, Room 204B

24421317 Winewood Boulevard

2445Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700

2448Josie Tomayo, General Counsel

2452Department of Children and

2456Family Services

2458Building 2, Room 204

24621317 Winewood Boulevard

2465Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700

2468Charlie and Elizabeth Hankerson

24721240 Grand Avenue

2475Sebring, Florida 33870

2478Jack Emory Farley, Esquire

2482Department of Children and

2486Family Services

24884720 Old Highway 37

2492Lakeland, Florida 33813-2030

2495NOTICE OF RIGHT TO SUBMIT EXCEPTIONS

2501All parties have the right to submit exceptions within 15 days

2512from the date of this Recommended Order. Any exceptions to this

2523Recommended Order should be filed with the agency that will

2533issue the Final Order in this case.

Select the PDF icon to view the document.
PDF
Date
Proceedings
PDF:
Date: 01/11/2002
Proceedings: Final Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 01/07/2002
Proceedings: Agency Final Order
PDF:
Date: 09/27/2001
Proceedings: Recommended Order
PDF:
Date: 09/27/2001
Proceedings: Recommended Order issued (hearing held June 27, 2001) CASE CLOSED.
PDF:
Date: 09/27/2001
Proceedings: Recommended Order cover letter identifying hearing record referred to the Agency sent out.
PDF:
Date: 07/24/2001
Proceedings: Department`s Proposed Recommended Order (filed via facsimile).
Date: 07/11/2001
Proceedings: Transcript of Proceedings filed.
Date: 06/27/2001
Proceedings: CASE STATUS: Hearing Held; see case file for applicable time frames.
PDF:
Date: 06/18/2001
Proceedings: Letter to Charlie and Elizabeth Hankerson from J. Farley (regarding witnesses for June 27 hearing) filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/16/2001
Proceedings: Order of Pre-hearing Instructions issued.
PDF:
Date: 05/15/2001
Proceedings: Notice of Hearing issued (hearing set for June 27, 2001; 10:00 a.m.; Sebring, FL).
PDF:
Date: 05/14/2001
Proceedings: Joint Response to Initial Order (filed via facsimile).
PDF:
Date: 05/07/2001
Proceedings: Initial Order issued.
PDF:
Date: 05/07/2001
Proceedings: Request for Hearing filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/07/2001
Proceedings: Renewal Denial for Foster Care License filed.
PDF:
Date: 05/07/2001
Proceedings: Notice (of Agency referral) filed.

Case Information

Judge:
WILLIAM R. CAVE
Date Filed:
05/07/2001
Date Assignment:
06/22/2001
Last Docket Entry:
01/11/2002
Location:
Marianna, Florida
District:
Northern
Agency:
ADOPTED IN TOTO
 

Counsels

Related DOAH Cases(s) (1):

Related Florida Statute(s) (2):

Related Florida Rule(s) (1):