9 Investigates: Anonymous complaint sparked investigation into The Russell Home

ORLANDO, Fla. — An anonymous complaint sparked the investigation into The Russell Home that led to the state threatening to fine and possibly shut down the facility.
 
The home is for severely disabled children and adults. 9 Investigates obtained a copy of the complaint Tuesday; it raised questions about an unlicensed facility providing the kind of care that it does.
 
Channel 9, state lawmakers and the governor's office have received calls in an effort to save the home.
 
Judy Russell spoke with 9 Investigates about the home's mission and a child who came to her after she received a call from the hospital.
 
"They said they had a little fellow who wasn't going to live very long and could we take him? It (would) probably be less than a month," Russell said.
 
The boy is now 12 years old and Harris said he shows emotions and everything.
 
Channel 9 learned $1 million in state funding was approved for the home to help it comply with the state's licensing demands.
 
"Over the last year, our office has worked with all of the state agencies involved and we are confident that these agencies have done their best to work with the Russell Home and bring it in to compliance," state Senate President Andy Gardiner said.
 
Russell said they don't fit under any specific license and every option to comply would mean changing the way they've run the home for decades, cutting services or telling some residents they have to leave.
 
"We just can't get rid of them because we don't fit into the categories they have for us," Russell said.
 
Russell turned down the money.
 
"We're praying real hard we can get through this with a resolution to where we can keep our happy home and our loving home," Russell said.
 
9 Investigates learned the complaint was filed because workers at the home administer medicine, bathe and feed the patients in the facility.
 
Full complaint:
 
"Unlicensed activity. Complainant reports that the facility is providing assistance with medication administration as well as with bathing and feeding. There are 25+ in the facility. The owner does not live on the premises. Most of the residents receive Social Security and Medicaid."

Cox Media Group