By Darcie Shinberger
An anonymous tip brought forward to The Community News Brief set in motion a series of inquiries into an alleged sexual assault occurring in a Macomb group home for persons with disabilities.
The report, which was confirmed with Macomb Interim Police Chief Todd Tedrow and Andrew McQuaide, state operations director of Mosaic in Illinois, alleges that there was a peer-topeer 'unwanted touching' incident at a Macomb home. According to Tedrow, the incident remains under investigation by his department's detectives. However, due to the sensitive nature of the case, he could not provide further information, including how the incident was reported to Macomb police due to the ongoing review of the case.
The Community News Brief reached out to Mosaic administration, including the new Macomb interim director Marcus Follis. According to a KHQA story, which was based on an anonymous tipster, three administrators were terminated, including the former director, for allegedly failing to initially contact police. Mosaic's state director did confirm that three individuals who worked at Mosaic in Macomb are no longer with the organization; however, he did not share the details of their separation. McQuaide said Mosaic is aware of the allegation and answered questions sent via email related to the alleged incident and the organization's stringent reporting policies.
'Mosaic is aware of an allegation of peer-to-peer unwanted touching at our Macomb location. Mosaic takes this allegation seriously and implemented safety plans to ensure no individuals were at risk while the allegation was investigated, per our standard process,' McQuaide explained. 'Mosaic is a covered entity under HIPAA and has certain obligations under that law to maintain the confidentiality of the protected health information of those we serve. However, our responsibility to preserve the privacy of those we serve extends beyond HIPAA. While we can confirm there was an allegation of unwanted touching between peers (individuals we serve) that was investigated, we are not able to provide any additional information to you about the particular circumstances or the genders of those involved.'
McQuaide added Mosaic's commitment to privacy also extends to its workforce. This commitment exists alongside the organization's duty to maintain full transparency with appropriate investigating authorities.
'We always provide information as required by law and regulations. All Mosaic staff are required to follow our strict reporting protocols regarding any allegation of abuse or misconduct,' he said. 'They are trained on all reporting requirements when they begin employment and on a reoccurring basis. We hold our team to the highest standards of care, ensuring they understand and meet all timely reporting requirements.
'These requirements exist for a very important reason: Because the safety, health and welfare of the people we support is always our top priority,' he concluded. 'We remain dedicated to helping the people we support live their best lives and are focused on providing the quality of care they deserve.'
Mosaic, formerly known as Bethphage, has been located in Macomb since 1983. Mosaic also has services and offices in Bushnell and Canton. The organization was founded in Axtell, NE in 1913 by the Rev. K.G. William Dahl and more than 50 charter members who each gave $1 to create a group home. Fast forward 90 years later and Bethphage and the Martin Luther Home in Sterling, NE, which provided a school for children with developmental disabilities, became Mosaic, the largest faith-based provider of services to people with disabilities in the U.S.
Mosaic's mission is 'Embracing God’s call, Mosaic relentlessly pursues opportunities that empower people.” In the Macomb agency, that means providing personalized services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including residential, day services and independent living support. Mosaic provides 13 community integrated living arrangements throughout the region, including seven homes in Macomb, four in Bushnell and two in Canton. The homes feature 24/7 care for six to eight individuals. While there is supervision and assistance within the communities, the goal is to have individuals live as independently as possible.
