The state has informed a for-profit California company that it is illegally operating homes for mentally ill adults in Normandy Park.

The Seattle Times reported Sept. 29 the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) hand-delivered a letter to Hanbleceya, operators of the homes, informing the company it must obtain a license and adhere to state regulations for adult family homes.

The department also is seeking entrance to the homes so it can check on the care the residents are receiving.

The Times reported Hanbleceya officials have replied they will cooperate with DSHS.

Hanbleceya obtained five homes in Normandy Park in addition to opening a treatment clinic at Normandy Park Towne Center.

A Hanbleceya official told the Highline Times it does not plan to open similar facilities in other Highline cities.
Normandy Park residents expressed concern and the city formed a task force after learning about two suicide attempts at the homes. They also say the company has been secretive about its operations.

The Seattle Times has published complaints from a client who said Hanbleceya dumped him off at a Seattle homeless shelter because he had not followed group home rules.

The client’s parents told the Seattle Times they paid $25,000 for 10 weeks of care, although their son had been in a shelter, hospitalized or homeless for more than five of those weeks.

The Seattle Times also reported that the state Department of Health informed Normandy Park it couldn’t regulate the company because it is not officially run residential treatment facilities.

Hanbleceya officials said the company does not provide care within the homes but only at their off-site clinic.

A DOH official noted his agency is discussing with legislators if facilities like Hanbleceya should be regulated in the future. State Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) is a member of the Normandy Park task force