Louisiana Legislative Auditor
Daryl G. Purpera, CPA, CFE

December 23, 2015

Improvements Still Needed in DCFS's Oversight of the TANF Program

Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) could potentially be on the hook for millions of dollars based on issues found in the agency's fiscal year 2015 report released Wednesday by Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera.

A large chunk of what the state could potentially owe is the result of control weaknesses in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The program's federal grantor could assess penalties to the state of not less than 1 percent and not more than 5 percent of the $111 million adjusted grant award based on the state auditor's findings. This is the fourth straight year DCFS has been cited by auditors for control weaknesses in the program.

According to the report, caseworkers did not properly maintain and verify supporting documentation for the number of hours worked by clients who received TANF benefits. “Our review of 25 'work eligible' client files revealed that five (20%) of the files did not contain documentation or verification of the clients' work activity that caseworkers entered into DCFS's job-tracking system as required by federal regulations,” the report said.

In addition, auditors found that, for the third consecutive year, DCFS did not have complete eligibility and related documentation for clients receiving cash benefits under the TANF program. As a result, $22,772 in questioned costs were identified, costs the state may be liable for.

“A review of 25 client files revealed that DCFS's case workers failed to include all required documentation in eight (32%) of their case files,” auditors wrote. “These exceptions increase the risk that clients may receive benefits to which they are not entitled and could result in DCFS having to repay the funds to the federal grantor. DCFS supervision and review failed to identify and correct the errors noted.”

Also during the 2015 fiscal year, DCFS's Fraud and Recovery Unit reported that four employees received benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Additionally, two former employees violated agency policy that prohibited them from taking action on their own personal cases or cases involving immediate family, friends or social acquaintances.

For more information contact:

Legislative Auditor
225.339.3800



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