Inquiry Into Home for Children Widens

With new complaints mounting against Casa Pacifica since a 3-year-old boy was molested by another boy late last month, state investigators have expanded an investigation into allegations that staff members continue to improperly supervise and care for children in the group home.

Officials at the licensing division of the state Department of Social Services in Santa Barbara said Tuesday that at least two more complaints have been levied against the Camarillo-area home in the past three weeks.

The new allegations come as state officials are gathering evidence of lax supervision and other violations that may lead to a revocation of Casa Pacifica’s license.

“We have been receiving ongoing complaints” since the molestation was reported Oct. 26, said Dianne Kryter, district manager of the community care licensing division of the state Department of Social Services.

“They have to do with care and supervision and health and safety factors,” she said.

Casa Pacifica Executive Director Steve Elson did not return phone calls Tuesday. But Bill Kearney, president of the Casa Pacifica board of directors, said the staff is working to correct any problems at the group home.

“We all have the same goal, and that’s taking care of these kids,” Kearney said. “If we have improvements to make, by gosh we’re going to do it.”

Kryter declined to elaborate on the new charges, saying that investigations into those complaints are not yet completed.

“There is a sense of urgency,” she said. “We want to protect the children.”

Earlier this month, Elson disclosed that a 12-year-old boy at the home for troubled children forced a 9-year-old boy and a 3-year-old boy to engage in sex acts.

The molestation occurred while four out of five supervisors assigned to that housing unit were outside the cabin on unspecified business, Elson said at the time.