The Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA), Office of Children and Adult Licensing issued an order of summary suspension and notice of intent to revoke the certificate of registration of Berrien County family day care home provider Elsa Hemphill, 2921 Adams, Niles, Michigan. This action resulted from a recent investigation of a complaint of the child day care family home.

The July 30, 2004, findings of the complaint investigation are:

• On July 26, 2004, Ms. Hemphill struck a child care child with a fly swatter and fly swatter handle causing multiple bruises and abrasions on the child’s face, neck, back, legs and buttocks.
• On July 30, 2004, Ms. Hemphill was charged in 5th District Court with Child Abuse – 3rd Degree, a violation of MCL 750.136(b)(4).

Effective 6:00 p.m. August 2, 2004, the Summary Suspension Order prohibits Elsa Hemphill from operating a family day care home at 2921 Adams, Niles, Michigan or at any other address or location. Accordingly, she may not accept children for care after that date and time. The order also requires Ms. Hemphill 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.

Ms. Hemphill has held a certificate of registration to operate a Family Day Care Home since February 27, 1998. The certificate of registration was for 6 children.

Michigan law defines a day care family home as a private home in which 1 but fewer than seven minor children are received for 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. Family day care home includes a home that gives care to an unrelated minor child for more than four weeks during a calendar year.