State investigates claims woman abused, neglected in Woodbridge group home

A mother claims her daughter was neglected while staying in a group home in Woodbridge.

Investigators with Virginia’s Department of Social Services say the mother’s allegations could have merit, but then closed an investigation into the matter.

Theresa Ramos, 57, said her daughter Jackie Crespo, 36, is legally blind, has scoliosis, is epileptic, has a neurological disorder and a learning disability with mental retardation. Ramos said she became concerned about the group home HaynesView Assisted Living Facility in Woodbridge two years ago when she noticed a shortage of staff for the five disabled residents within the home, noting there was only one staff member on duty for each 12-hour shift.

Ramos contacted Virginia Adult Protection Services and asked the agency to investigate her claims. Ramos’ concerns later grew when her daughter began to experience constant seizures. Ramos began questioning officials at HaynesView and asked if her daughter was receiving proper doses of her medication.

“I was told she was receiving her meds even when Jackie would say she wasn’t. Another medication for seizures was added by her doctor because we assumed her current meds were not working. Mrs. Haynes was always quick to say that Jackie was confused and of course I believed her and her staff,” Ramos said.

Crespo’s medications were inconsistently provided, making her ill and resulting in several seizures, said Ramos. A blizzard in January 2016 broke the last straw for Ramos, who claims that there was no licensed staff at the facility during the storm, nor was there anyone trained to dispense medication during the blizzard that left the region snowbound for up to four days.

She ended up removing her daughter from the group home and transferring her daughter to a new home in Woodbridge.

LaBrenda Haynes, the CEO of HaynesView LLC, declined to speak with a reporter for this story. She provided the following statement via email:

“HaynesView LLC is an adult group home that provides quality care in a wholesome environment, promoting confidence, independence, and self-worth to individuals with mental disabilities. HaynesView, LLC will develop each individual’s social and communication skills, which will allow for successful integration into the community. HaynesView, LLC is dedicated to the individual’s person needs and care. HaynesView, LLC is dedicated to ensuring individual mental stimulation, personal growth, and self-sustenance.”

Ramos claims that the Medical Administrative Report reports that notes the dispensing of medications to her daughter were forged. She also claims her daughter’s personal clothing and underwear would disappear when she was the home. She also claimed her daugher was slammed against a wall.

“She was slammed against the wall by a staff member who I’d never met because she lost her temper and then preceded to leave the house without staff and was never fired.” Ramos stated in an email.

Ramos met multiple times with a social services support coordinator for Prince William County, however, the situation never improved, she said.

Adult Protection Services began investigating Crespo’s case January 26. On May 26, the case was closed.

“From the information and observations gathered, it has been determined there is a preponderance of evidence that neglect of the Group home took place. However, the need no longer exists at this time as you are no longer residing in the group home in which the neglect took place. There is no further social work services needed at this time.”

Ramos has hired an attorney and plans to appeal the decision.

“It is very sad that they [Adult Protection Services] do not care about the other residents still under their [Haynesview] care. Very sad,” Ramos said.