By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
License of Davis group home revoked over sex case
Placeholder Image


DAVIS  (AP) — State officials have revoked the license of a Northern California youth group home following numerous complaints, including recent allegations of rape and sexual assault.

The Department of Social Services on Thursday revoked EMQ FamiliesFirst license to operate its home for youth with mental health issues in Davis, The Sacramento Bee. The department alleges violation of personal rights, lack of supervision and inadequate staffing as well as numerous sexual assaults and assaults.

The home currently houses 38 children.

A 13-year-old boy and 14-year-old boy were arrested on June 5 on suspicion of raping an 11-year-old girl from the home at a park. The boys were also residents of the home.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested two days later on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl who had run away from the home. The boy was not a resident of the home, and the attack is alleged to have occurred at a private residence.

Campbell-based EMQ FamiliesFirst, which runs similar facilities in 33 counties in California, said it would fully respond to the complaint. It has 15 days to appeal the revocation order before the state closes the facility, Department of Social Services spokesman Michael Weston said.

"We will defend the agency and its programs which serve some of the most challenging children," FamiliesFirst said in a statement.

The nonprofit said it has a "long-standing reputation for programs recognized as some of the finest in California."

According to the complaint, Department of Social Services agents have investigated other alleged sexual assaults involving children residing at the home.

Police are investigating about six sex assault cases connected to the home, the Bee reported.