The Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA), Office of Children and Adult Licensing issued an order of summary suspension and notice of intent to revoke action to Berrien County family day care home provider Mary Ciaravino, 1356 East Hinchman, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Mary Ciaravino was ordered to immediately cease providing care to children effective 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2004. This action is the result of a recent complaint investigation of the family day care home.

Under Michigan statute, a Family Day Care Home is defined as "a private home in which 1 but fewer than 7 minor children are received for care and supervision for periods of less than 24 hours, unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage, or adoption. Family day care home includes a home that gives care to an unrelated minor child for more than 4 weeks during a calendar year."

The February 4, 2004, findings of the complaint investigation are:

• On January 31, 2004, the Berrien County Sheriff's Department conducted a drug raid at Mary Ciaravino's family day care home and seized ¼ lb. marijuana and drug paraphernalia. An adult household member was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, a felony, and Felony Firearms. The Sheriff's Department also seized a pellet gun, a 12-gauge shotgun and 380 and 12-gauge ammunition, from an unlocked gun cabinet.
• Mary Ciaravino failed to inform the Department of other adults living in her home, and failed to allow the Department to conduct a criminal history background check. This adult household member had 1988 and 1989 convictions for drug possession.
• Mary Ciaravino admitted to police that she occasionally smokes marijuana in her home with with other adult household members.

Mary Ciaravino has held a registration to operate a Family Day Care Home since May 24, 1999.