Adult foster care home ordered to close

Authorities say it’s unlicensed

A Farmington Hills adult foster care facility that was allegedly operating without a license must close, as an Oakland County Circuit judge has granted a preliminary injunction.

Judge David Cohen granted the injunction against Erica Edwards and her foster care facility, ETE Homes Inc., doing business as Talison Assisted Living, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a release.

Nessel requested the injunction in October following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and after Edwards allegedly said she would not voluntarily stop operating the facility.

LARA investigated the facility following a complaint filed last March.

Nessel’s release said LARA found that Edwards did the following without the proper license:

• Operated the facility in a residential home with live-in staff, housing at least eight foster care residents

• Had at least one resident who required physical assistance

• Had several residents who required round-theclock care

• Had staff that administered medication

• Accepted payments from its residents.

Cohen held that the facility was in violation of the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act and enjoined Edwards, and her companies, agents, or employees, from providing unlicensed care.

“The state requires licensure for certain residential care services to ensure Michigan patients or consumers are receiving adequate and professional care,” said Nessel.

“Unknowingly placing a loved one in the care of an unlicensed and untrained profiteer is a scary possibility for families seeking out these services for the first time. I’d advise all Michigan consumers seeking adult foster care to research the facilities they consider, and to check with state agencies to ensure they are properly licensed to meet your needs.

“Offering these services or care without the proper licensing violates Michigan law and puts vulnerable adults at risk.”

Under the injunction, Edwards must cooperate with Adult Protective Services workers and related agencies to relocate the home’s residents.

In addition, Edwards must grant LARA staff, Adult Protective Services, Community Mental Health, law enforcement and medical personnel access to the premises and residents.

In the coming months, the court will determine whether a permanent injunction should be issued, according to the release.

The release did not say where the facility was located in Farmington Hills.