SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Swann Special Care Center $20,000 (Statement of Violation) for failure to protect residents from sexual abuse. The 112-bed long-term care facility for persons younger than 22 years of age is located at 109 Kenwood Road in Champaign.

During an incident report investigation, Department surveyors learned an employee witnessed another employee performing what appeared to be a sexual act in front of a resident, but did not report the incident to a supervisor within an hour as specified by facility policy. In addition, the accused employee was not quickly barred from further contact with residents to protect their safety pending the outcome of an investigation.

The witness went home and prepared a statement before calling the administrator three and half hours after the incident to report the alleged abuse.

Later at a staff training on facility policy regarding abuse and neglect, an employee recounted that a year ago he witnessed the accused employee sexually abusing a resident, but did not notify facility administration.

When questioned by police, the employee accused of sexual abuse admitted having engaged in sexual activities with two other residents. The administrator did not notify the Department of these incidents as required by state law.

The Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to review its policies related to neglectful or abusive situations and to train staff on the reporting process for an incident or allegation of abuse.

Swann Special Care Center has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.