Audit 11552

FY End
2023-06-30
Total Expended
$45.18M
Findings
24
Programs
70
Organization: Gaston County (NC)
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-01-16

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
8545 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N
8546 2023-001 Material Weakness Yes L
8547 2023-001 Material Weakness Yes L
8548 2023-001 Material Weakness Yes L
8549 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N
8550 2023-002 Significant Deficiency - E
8551 2023-002 Significant Deficiency - E
8552 2023-002 Significant Deficiency - E
8553 2023-004 Significant Deficiency - L
8554 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N
8555 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N
8556 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N
584987 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N
584988 2023-001 Material Weakness Yes L
584989 2023-001 Material Weakness Yes L
584990 2023-001 Material Weakness Yes L
584991 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N
584992 2023-002 Significant Deficiency - E
584993 2023-002 Significant Deficiency - E
584994 2023-002 Significant Deficiency - E
584995 2023-004 Significant Deficiency - L
584996 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N
584997 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N
584998 2023-003 Significant Deficiency - N

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
21.027 Covid-19-Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $10.56M Yes 0
93.778 Medical Assistance Program $6.05M Yes 1
93.563 Child Support Enforcement $2.50M Yes 2
10.561 State Administratvie Matching Grants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program $2.25M - 0
93.658 Foster Care_title IV-E $2.00M Yes 3
21.023 Covid-19-Emergency Rental Assistance Program $1.98M Yes 0
10.557 Wic Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children: Administration $1.01M Yes 0
16.710 Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants $542,669 - 0
93.596 Child Care Mandatory and Matching Funds of the Child Care and Development Fund $416,403 - 0
10.561 State Administratvie Matching Grants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Arpa $415,677 - 0
93.498 Covid-19-Provider Relief Fund $396,967 - 0
84.287 Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers $394,499 - 0
93.568 Covid-19-Low-Income Home Energy Assistance $393,560 - 0
93.659 Adoption Assistance $331,032 Yes 3
20.509 Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program $299,647 - 0
17.278 Wia Dislocated Worker Formula Grants $272,854 - 0
17.259 Wia Youth Activities $224,846 - 0
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $188,217 - 0
93.268 Covid-19-Immunization Cooperative Agreements $165,602 - 0
16.736 Transitional Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking, Or Sexual Assault $157,651 - 0
93.767 Children's Health Insurance Program $134,985 - 0
93.217 Family Planning_services $127,409 - 0
93.070 Environmental Public Health and Emergency Response $124,079 - 0
93.354 Public Health Emergency Response: Cooperative Agreement for Emergency Response: Public Health Crisis Response $112,515 - 0
16.922 Equitable Sharing Program $101,112 - 0
93.994 Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to the States $91,864 - 0
93.323 Covid-19-Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (elc) $90,801 - 0
93.747 Elder Abuse Prevention Interventions Program $81,986 - 0
93.092 Affordable Care Act (aca) Personal Responsibility Education Program $78,398 - 0
93.052 National Family Caregiver Support, Title Iii, Part E $74,899 - 0
93.268 Immunization Cooperative Agreements $73,985 - 0
93.674 John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood $71,585 - 0
93.645 Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program $71,555 - 0
21.016 Equitable Sharing $60,000 - 0
93.391 Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (stlt) Health Department Response to Public Health Or Healthcare Crises $59,041 - 0
93.667 Social Services Block Grant $57,691 - 0
93.053 Nutrition Services Incentive Program $57,162 - 0
20.205 Highway Planning and Construction $55,736 - 0
93.069 Public Health Emergency Preparedness $54,815 - 0
16.606 State Criminal Alien Assistance Program $51,483 - 0
93.556 Promoting Safe and Stable Families $51,035 - 0
93.671 Family Violence Prevention and Services/domestic Violence Shelter and Supportive Services $50,024 - 0
93.959 Covid-19-Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse $45,501 - 0
93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $44,013 - 0
14.228 Community Development Block Grants/state's Program and Non-Entitlement Grants in Hawaii $33,401 - 0
16.582 Crime Victim Assistance/discretionary Grants $31,880 - 0
16.588 Violence Against Women Formula Grants $30,889 - 0
93.044 Special Programs for the Aging_title Iii, Part B_grants for Supportive Services and Senior Centers $26,361 - 0
93.991 Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant $25,626 - 0
93.898 Cancer Prevention and Control Programs for State, Territorial and Tribal Organizations $24,050 - 0
93.323 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (elc) $22,504 - 0
97.042 Emergency Management Performance Grants $22,367 - 0
93.870 Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Grant $21,324 - 0
16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program $20,957 - 0
16.575 Crime Victim Assistance $17,612 - 0
45.310 Grants to States $16,980 - 0
93.940 Hiv Prevention Activities_health Department Based $16,333 - 0
93.045 Special Programs for the Aging_title Iii, Part C_nutrition Services $15,202 - 0
93.747 Covid-19-Elder Abuse Prevention Interventions Program $15,150 - 0
93.045 Covid-19-Special Programs for the Aging_title Iii, Part C_nutrition Services $13,561 - 0
93.568 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance $10,400 - 0
93.043 Special Programs for the Aging_title Iii, Part D_disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services $7,650 - 0
93.889 National Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Program $7,267 - 0
16.838 Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-Based Program $6,745 - 0
93.116 Project Grants and Cooperative Agreements for Tuberculosis Control Programs $2,735 - 0
17.207 Employment Service/wagner-Peyser Funded Activities $2,391 - 0
17.258 Wia Adult Program $1,000 - 0
93.566 Refugee and Entrant Assistance_state Administered Programs $620 - 0
93.669 Child Abuse and Neglect State Grants $506 - 0
93.977 Preventive Health Services_sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Grants $100 - 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
QKY9R8A8D5J6 Brandy Decker Auditee
7048663111 Paula Hodges Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies: Presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and the State Single Audit Implementation Act. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Gaston County has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal and State awards (SEFSA) includes the federal and State grant activity of Gaston County under the programs of the federal government and the State of North Carolina for the year ended June 30, 2023. The information in this SEFSA is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and the State Single Audit Implementation Act. Because the SEFSA presents only a selected portion of the operations of Gaston County, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net position or cash flows of Gaston County.
Title: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies: Presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and the State Single Audit Implementation Act. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Gaston County has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Expenditures reported in the SEFSA are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowed or are limited as to reimbursement.
Title: Indirect Cost Rate Accounting Policies: Presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and the State Single Audit Implementation Act. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Gaston County has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Gaston County has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance
Title: Cluster of Programs Accounting Policies: Presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and the State Single Audit Implementation Act. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Gaston County has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The following are clustered by the NC Department of Health and Human Services and are treated separately for state audit requirement purposes: Subsidized Child Care, Special Children Adoption Fund, Refugee and Entrant Assistance, Foster Care, Adoption and Guardianship Assistance, and HIV Clusters
Title: Cluster of Programs Accounting Policies: Presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards and the State Single Audit Implementation Act. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Gaston County has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The following is clustered by the NC Department of Transportation and is treated separately for state audit requirement purposes: Highway Planning, Research and Construction Cluster

Finding Details

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Material Weakness Material Non-Compliance Finding 2023-001 Criteria: In order for costs to be allowable for purposes of reimbursement they must be allowable in accordance with 45 CFR section 1356.60 and the NC Division of Social Services Manual. All County Department of Social Services employees which provide direct services must maintain daysheets in accordance with the NC Department of Social Services Information System Policy. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to retain proper documentation regarding daysheet entries. Context: Of the 892 payroll charges valued at $1,287,503, we examined 55 daysheets ($44,716 value) and determined that nine daysheets (16% valued at $14,964 did not have documentation to substantiate time charged to the Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster program. Questioned Costs: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.516(a)(3), auditors are required to report known questioned costs when likely questioned costs are greater than $25,000. Even though the sample results only identified $14,964 (federal share of $13,844 and state share $1,120) in questioned costs, if tests were extended to the entire population, questioned costs could exceed $25,000. Effect: Caseworker time entry could be charged to the wrong program/grant causing administrative costs to be misallocated. Cause: Caseworker failed to retain documentation of time charged to program. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a modified, repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-002. Recommendation: Require the County Program Directors to implement procedures to ensure that daysheets are properly supported by documentation of time charged to each program. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Material Weakness Material Non-Compliance Finding 2023-001 Criteria: In order for costs to be allowable for purposes of reimbursement they must be allowable in accordance with 45 CFR section 1356.60 and the NC Division of Social Services Manual. All County Department of Social Services employees which provide direct services must maintain daysheets in accordance with the NC Department of Social Services Information System Policy. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to retain proper documentation regarding daysheet entries. Context: Of the 892 payroll charges valued at $1,287,503, we examined 55 daysheets ($44,716 value) and determined that nine daysheets (16% valued at $14,964 did not have documentation to substantiate time charged to the Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster program. Questioned Costs: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.516(a)(3), auditors are required to report known questioned costs when likely questioned costs are greater than $25,000. Even though the sample results only identified $14,964 (federal share of $13,844 and state share $1,120) in questioned costs, if tests were extended to the entire population, questioned costs could exceed $25,000. Effect: Caseworker time entry could be charged to the wrong program/grant causing administrative costs to be misallocated. Cause: Caseworker failed to retain documentation of time charged to program. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a modified, repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-002. Recommendation: Require the County Program Directors to implement procedures to ensure that daysheets are properly supported by documentation of time charged to each program. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Material Weakness Material Non-Compliance Finding 2023-001 Criteria: In order for costs to be allowable for purposes of reimbursement they must be allowable in accordance with 45 CFR section 1356.60 and the NC Division of Social Services Manual. All County Department of Social Services employees which provide direct services must maintain daysheets in accordance with the NC Department of Social Services Information System Policy. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to retain proper documentation regarding daysheet entries. Context: Of the 892 payroll charges valued at $1,287,503, we examined 55 daysheets ($44,716 value) and determined that nine daysheets (16% valued at $14,964 did not have documentation to substantiate time charged to the Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster program. Questioned Costs: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.516(a)(3), auditors are required to report known questioned costs when likely questioned costs are greater than $25,000. Even though the sample results only identified $14,964 (federal share of $13,844 and state share $1,120) in questioned costs, if tests were extended to the entire population, questioned costs could exceed $25,000. Effect: Caseworker time entry could be charged to the wrong program/grant causing administrative costs to be misallocated. Cause: Caseworker failed to retain documentation of time charged to program. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a modified, repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-002. Recommendation: Require the County Program Directors to implement procedures to ensure that daysheets are properly supported by documentation of time charged to each program. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Significant Deficiency, Eligibility Finding 2023-002 Criteria: In accordance with 45 CFR 1356 and the Child Welfare Funding Manual, documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations under the requirements of IV-E and the Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to have caseworker sign the DSS-5120 document in two participants’ casefiles. Upon further review, both applicants were eligible. Context: Of the 371 casefiles, we examined 60 and determined that two (3%) applicants received benefits during the fiscal year without a signed DSS-5120 in the files. Effect: Casefiles were missing completed DSS-5120 documents, which could allow benefits to be provided to individuals who are not eligible. Cause: Caseworker failed to obtain or retain the completed eligibility documentation. Questioned Costs: None. The County was able to substantiate that the applicants were eligible to receive benefits. Recommendation: Caseworkers should verify all documents are completed and retained in the applicant’s casefile. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Significant Deficiency, Eligibility Finding 2023-002 Criteria: In accordance with 45 CFR 1356 and the Child Welfare Funding Manual, documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations under the requirements of IV-E and the Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to have caseworker sign the DSS-5120 document in two participants’ casefiles. Upon further review, both applicants were eligible. Context: Of the 371 casefiles, we examined 60 and determined that two (3%) applicants received benefits during the fiscal year without a signed DSS-5120 in the files. Effect: Casefiles were missing completed DSS-5120 documents, which could allow benefits to be provided to individuals who are not eligible. Cause: Caseworker failed to obtain or retain the completed eligibility documentation. Questioned Costs: None. The County was able to substantiate that the applicants were eligible to receive benefits. Recommendation: Caseworkers should verify all documents are completed and retained in the applicant’s casefile. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Significant Deficiency, Eligibility Finding 2023-002 Criteria: In accordance with 45 CFR 1356 and the Child Welfare Funding Manual, documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations under the requirements of IV-E and the Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to have caseworker sign the DSS-5120 document in two participants’ casefiles. Upon further review, both applicants were eligible. Context: Of the 371 casefiles, we examined 60 and determined that two (3%) applicants received benefits during the fiscal year without a signed DSS-5120 in the files. Effect: Casefiles were missing completed DSS-5120 documents, which could allow benefits to be provided to individuals who are not eligible. Cause: Caseworker failed to obtain or retain the completed eligibility documentation. Questioned Costs: None. The County was able to substantiate that the applicants were eligible to receive benefits. Recommendation: Caseworkers should verify all documents are completed and retained in the applicant’s casefile. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Non-Material Non-Compliance Finding 2023-004 Criteria: In accordance with 45 CFR 304 and the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, management should have an adequate system of internal control procedures in place to ensure that salaries are being paid at the approved rate in accordance with the county pay plan. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to pay one employee at the correct pay rate. Context: Of the 289 payroll charges valued at $1,294,572, we examined 40 payroll charges ($184,290 value) and determined that one employee (2.5% valued at $415) was not paid at the approved pay rate. Questioned Costs: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.516(a)(3), auditors are required to report known questioned costs when likely questioned costs are greater than $25,000. Costs are under the amount to be reported. Effect: Caseworker time could be charged at the incorrect pay rate causing administrative costs to be inaccurately reported to the state for reimbursement. Cause: The County failed to pay one employee at the correct pay rate. Recommendation: Require the Human Resources Department and County Program Directors to implement procedures to ensure that pay rates are properly entered into the payroll processing system at the time the pay rate is established. Name of Contact Person: Amia Massey, Director, Human Resources Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Material Weakness Material Non-Compliance Finding 2023-001 Criteria: In order for costs to be allowable for purposes of reimbursement they must be allowable in accordance with 45 CFR section 1356.60 and the NC Division of Social Services Manual. All County Department of Social Services employees which provide direct services must maintain daysheets in accordance with the NC Department of Social Services Information System Policy. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to retain proper documentation regarding daysheet entries. Context: Of the 892 payroll charges valued at $1,287,503, we examined 55 daysheets ($44,716 value) and determined that nine daysheets (16% valued at $14,964 did not have documentation to substantiate time charged to the Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster program. Questioned Costs: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.516(a)(3), auditors are required to report known questioned costs when likely questioned costs are greater than $25,000. Even though the sample results only identified $14,964 (federal share of $13,844 and state share $1,120) in questioned costs, if tests were extended to the entire population, questioned costs could exceed $25,000. Effect: Caseworker time entry could be charged to the wrong program/grant causing administrative costs to be misallocated. Cause: Caseworker failed to retain documentation of time charged to program. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a modified, repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-002. Recommendation: Require the County Program Directors to implement procedures to ensure that daysheets are properly supported by documentation of time charged to each program. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Material Weakness Material Non-Compliance Finding 2023-001 Criteria: In order for costs to be allowable for purposes of reimbursement they must be allowable in accordance with 45 CFR section 1356.60 and the NC Division of Social Services Manual. All County Department of Social Services employees which provide direct services must maintain daysheets in accordance with the NC Department of Social Services Information System Policy. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to retain proper documentation regarding daysheet entries. Context: Of the 892 payroll charges valued at $1,287,503, we examined 55 daysheets ($44,716 value) and determined that nine daysheets (16% valued at $14,964 did not have documentation to substantiate time charged to the Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster program. Questioned Costs: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.516(a)(3), auditors are required to report known questioned costs when likely questioned costs are greater than $25,000. Even though the sample results only identified $14,964 (federal share of $13,844 and state share $1,120) in questioned costs, if tests were extended to the entire population, questioned costs could exceed $25,000. Effect: Caseworker time entry could be charged to the wrong program/grant causing administrative costs to be misallocated. Cause: Caseworker failed to retain documentation of time charged to program. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a modified, repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-002. Recommendation: Require the County Program Directors to implement procedures to ensure that daysheets are properly supported by documentation of time charged to each program. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Material Weakness Material Non-Compliance Finding 2023-001 Criteria: In order for costs to be allowable for purposes of reimbursement they must be allowable in accordance with 45 CFR section 1356.60 and the NC Division of Social Services Manual. All County Department of Social Services employees which provide direct services must maintain daysheets in accordance with the NC Department of Social Services Information System Policy. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to retain proper documentation regarding daysheet entries. Context: Of the 892 payroll charges valued at $1,287,503, we examined 55 daysheets ($44,716 value) and determined that nine daysheets (16% valued at $14,964 did not have documentation to substantiate time charged to the Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster program. Questioned Costs: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.516(a)(3), auditors are required to report known questioned costs when likely questioned costs are greater than $25,000. Even though the sample results only identified $14,964 (federal share of $13,844 and state share $1,120) in questioned costs, if tests were extended to the entire population, questioned costs could exceed $25,000. Effect: Caseworker time entry could be charged to the wrong program/grant causing administrative costs to be misallocated. Cause: Caseworker failed to retain documentation of time charged to program. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a modified, repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2022-002. Recommendation: Require the County Program Directors to implement procedures to ensure that daysheets are properly supported by documentation of time charged to each program. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Significant Deficiency, Eligibility Finding 2023-002 Criteria: In accordance with 45 CFR 1356 and the Child Welfare Funding Manual, documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations under the requirements of IV-E and the Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to have caseworker sign the DSS-5120 document in two participants’ casefiles. Upon further review, both applicants were eligible. Context: Of the 371 casefiles, we examined 60 and determined that two (3%) applicants received benefits during the fiscal year without a signed DSS-5120 in the files. Effect: Casefiles were missing completed DSS-5120 documents, which could allow benefits to be provided to individuals who are not eligible. Cause: Caseworker failed to obtain or retain the completed eligibility documentation. Questioned Costs: None. The County was able to substantiate that the applicants were eligible to receive benefits. Recommendation: Caseworkers should verify all documents are completed and retained in the applicant’s casefile. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Significant Deficiency, Eligibility Finding 2023-002 Criteria: In accordance with 45 CFR 1356 and the Child Welfare Funding Manual, documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations under the requirements of IV-E and the Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to have caseworker sign the DSS-5120 document in two participants’ casefiles. Upon further review, both applicants were eligible. Context: Of the 371 casefiles, we examined 60 and determined that two (3%) applicants received benefits during the fiscal year without a signed DSS-5120 in the files. Effect: Casefiles were missing completed DSS-5120 documents, which could allow benefits to be provided to individuals who are not eligible. Cause: Caseworker failed to obtain or retain the completed eligibility documentation. Questioned Costs: None. The County was able to substantiate that the applicants were eligible to receive benefits. Recommendation: Caseworkers should verify all documents are completed and retained in the applicant’s casefile. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Foster Care, Adoption, and Guardianship Assistance Cluster AL# 93.658, 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST; 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Significant Deficiency, Eligibility Finding 2023-002 Criteria: In accordance with 45 CFR 1356 and the Child Welfare Funding Manual, documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations under the requirements of IV-E and the Development Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to have caseworker sign the DSS-5120 document in two participants’ casefiles. Upon further review, both applicants were eligible. Context: Of the 371 casefiles, we examined 60 and determined that two (3%) applicants received benefits during the fiscal year without a signed DSS-5120 in the files. Effect: Casefiles were missing completed DSS-5120 documents, which could allow benefits to be provided to individuals who are not eligible. Cause: Caseworker failed to obtain or retain the completed eligibility documentation. Questioned Costs: None. The County was able to substantiate that the applicants were eligible to receive benefits. Recommendation: Caseworkers should verify all documents are completed and retained in the applicant’s casefile. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Non-Material Non-Compliance Finding 2023-004 Criteria: In accordance with 45 CFR 304 and the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, management should have an adequate system of internal control procedures in place to ensure that salaries are being paid at the approved rate in accordance with the county pay plan. Condition: The County Department of Social Services failed to pay one employee at the correct pay rate. Context: Of the 289 payroll charges valued at $1,294,572, we examined 40 payroll charges ($184,290 value) and determined that one employee (2.5% valued at $415) was not paid at the approved pay rate. Questioned Costs: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.516(a)(3), auditors are required to report known questioned costs when likely questioned costs are greater than $25,000. Costs are under the amount to be reported. Effect: Caseworker time could be charged at the incorrect pay rate causing administrative costs to be inaccurately reported to the state for reimbursement. Cause: The County failed to pay one employee at the correct pay rate. Recommendation: Require the Human Resources Department and County Program Directors to implement procedures to ensure that pay rates are properly entered into the payroll processing system at the time the pay rate is established. Name of Contact Person: Amia Massey, Director, Human Resources Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program AL# 93.778 Grant Number: XIX-MAP22 / XIX-MAP23 Program Name: Foster Care AL# 93.658 Grant Number: 2201NCFOST / 2301NCFOST Program Name: Adoption Assistance AL# 93.659 Grant Number: 2201NCADPT / 2301NCADPT Program Name: Child Support Enforcement AL# 93.563 Grant Number: 2201NCCES / 2301NCCES Significant Deficiency Finding 2023-003 Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. Name of Contact Person: Angela Karchmer, Social Services Director Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs with this finding and will adhere to the Corrective Action Plan in this audit report.