Audit 368880

2024-001: Department of Health and Human Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Federal Assistance Listing #93.558; Pass Through Virginia Department of Social Services, Pass Through Entity Identifying Number BEN-21-054. Criteria: The Organization should have processes and procedures in place to keep and maintain client eligibility records, per 2 CFR 200.303 and 2 CFR 200.334. Condition: During our audit, we noted that the Organization was unable to locate records substantiating the eligibility of clients served. Context: During testing, the Organization was unable to find supporting eligibility records for 31 out of the 60 samples that received services as part of a federal program. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Cause/Effect: Internal control processes over proper maintenance of clients’ records were not operating effectively, causing documentation to not be located. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Identification of Repeat Finding: Repeat Finding 2023-003. Recommendation: We recommend procedures are implemented to ensure proper maintenance of client records. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the recommendation and will implement stronger processes to ensure that records confirming the eligibility of program participants are obtained and properly maintained. All program staff will receive updated training on eligibility requirements, supporting documents to track such requirements, and supports throughout the year to ensure eligibility requirements are met and documented. Documents will also be reviewed regularly to ensure completeness against eligibility requirements. This process will be led by the Vice President of Family Empowerment and Self Sufficiency with support from operational and compliance staff.

2024-002: Department of Health and Human Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Federal Assistance Listing # 93.558; Pass Through Virginia Department of Social Services, Pass Through Entity Identifying Number BEN-21-054. Criteria: The Organization should have effective policies and procedures in place to ensure there is proper documentation supporting funds were used in compliance with the federal award, per 2 CFR 200.303 and 2 CFR 200.334. Condition: During our audit, it was noted that there was not an effective process in place to keep and maintain the required records to support pay-for-performance outputs and outcomes. Context: The Organization was unable to provide documentation supporting the allowability of 6 of the 60 samples selected for testing. Cause/Effect: Internal control processes over maintenance of records supporting pay-for-performance outcomes and ouputs were not operating effectively from July 2023 through June 2024. Questioned Costs: $6,800 Identification of Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implements a review process to ensure that documentation is retained to support pay-for-performance outputs and outcomes submitted to the grantor. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the recommendation and will implement stronger review processes to ensure proper documentation is in place to support program activities and reports submitted to the grantor. All staff charged with maintaining client documentation will receive updated training on recordkeeping requirements, supporting documents specifying such requirements, and supports throughout the year to ensure documents are properly maintained and verified. Documents will be reviewed regularly for completeness and specifically cross-checked with quarterly report and invoice information directly by program leadership prior to submission. This process will be led by the Vice President of Family Empowerment and Self Sufficiency with support from operational and compliance staff.