Louisiana Legislative Auditor
Daryl G. Purpera, CPA, CFE

September 7, 2015

Department of Children and Family Services’ STEP Program Sees Improvement

The Department of Children and Family Services has made significant changes to its Strategies to Empower People (STEP) program, according to a progress report issued Monday by Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera’s office.

A June 2012 performance audit of the STEP program by the Legislative Auditor’s Office identified two primary issues in the program which needed improvement. First, that DCFS did not sufficiently oversee the STEP program to ensure that transportation costs were reasonable; and second, the STEP program was not meeting its performance target of 40% of participants leaving the program with employment. As noted in today’s progress report, auditors found that DCFS has either addressed or is in the process of addressing these issues.

The STEP Program provides opportunities for eligible families on cash assistance to receive job preparation, work, and support services to enable them to leave the program and become self-sufficient. DCFS helps STEP participants get to and from their work activities by providing transportation assistance.

“DCFS has reduced transportation costs by 81%, from approximately $5.5 million in fiscal year 2011 to just over $1 million in fiscal year 2015,” the report said. This was achieved by switching from contracting for transportation services and reimbursing mileage to providing a monthly $100 stipend to participants, and the elimination of post-program services. Fewer participants in the STEP program also contributed to the decreased transportation costs.

While DCFS still has not met its employment goal for STEP participants, it entered into a partnership with the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), effective July 1, 2015, to “improve its success in finding employment for STEP participants.” Under this new agreement, LWC will provide STEP participants with case management services, including “identifying barriers to employment, developing employment plans, and ensuring participants are engaged in work activities.” According to DCFS, “a more immediate in-depth connection with LWC and the job market” will increase the likelihood of STEP participants leaving the program employed.

For more information contact:

Legislative Auditor
225.339.3800



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Office of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor | www.LLA.La.gov