Family Independence Agency (FIA) Office of Children and Adult Licensing issued an order of summary suspension and notice of intent to revoke action to Kalamazoo County group day care home provider Diane Lightfoot, 3319 S. Rose, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Diane Lightfoot was ordered to immediately cease providing care to children effective 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003. This action is the result of a recent complaint investigation of the CDC group home.

Under Michigan statute, a Group Day Care Home is defined as "a private home in which more than 6 but not more than 12 minor children are given care and supervision for periods of less than 24 hours a day, unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage, or adoption. Group day care home includes a home that gives care to an unrelated minor child for more than 4 weeks during a calendar year."

The Dec. 22, 2003 findings of the complaint investigation are:

• In the spring of 2003 and throughout the remainder of the year, children in Diane Lightfoot’s care were spanked by adult household member 1 on numerous occasions using a board, a belt or his hand.
• On Dec. 15, 2003, another child alleged that adult household member 1 spanked him, causing bruises consistent with his allegation.
• Diane Lightfoot was cited for lack of appropriate supervision in a special investigation conducted in October 2001 and submitted a corrective action plan to prevent a recurrence.

Effective 6:00 p.m. Dec. 23, the summary suspension order requires Diane Lightfoot not to operate a group day care home at 3319 S. Rose, Kalamazoo, Mich. or at any other address or location. Children are not to be received for care after that date or time. The order also requires Diane Lightfoot to inform all of the parents of children in her care that her license has been suspended and that she can no longer provide day care. Diane Lightfoot has held a license to operate a Group Day Care Home since June 27, 1995. The license was for 12 children.