Finding Text
Finding 2022-002: Eligibility (Material weakness in Compliance, Internal Control, and Service Provision
within the APA Program):
Criteria or Specific Requirements:
According to the CFDA #19.510 guidelines, only refugees enrolled in the APA/R&P program are eligible
for funding, and lawful permanent residents do not qualify. Additionally, accurate and complete
documentation is required to support eligibility determinations and ensure program compliance. Proper
record-keeping is essential for transparency, accountability, and program integrity.
Conditions:
During our testwork over eligibility for the APA/R&P program, we noted the following exceptions:
1. Ineligible refugees received funding in 7 out of 25 samples tested (28%). These refugees were not
enrolled in the APA/R&P program, yet they were provided with APA/R&P program funding.
2. A lawful permanent resident received funding in 1 out of 25 samples tested (4%). The Organization
incorrectly provided APA/R&P program funding to this individual.
Additionally, the review process identified discrepancies in case notes, incomplete financial logs, and
inaccurately completed cultural orientation forms.
Cause:
The Organization did not adequately verify refugee enrollment status and did not properly exclude lawful
permanent residents from receiving APA/R&P program funding.
Effect:
The Organization provided APA/R&P program funding to ineligible refugees and lawful permanent
residents due to inadequate verification and inconsistent documentation practices.
Questioned costs:
None.
Recommendation:
The Organization should enhance its eligibility verification process to ensure that only enrolled refugees
receive funding. Implementing regular training for staff and updating guidelines will help maintain
accurate and complete documentation, ensuring compliance and maximizing the effectiveness of the
APA/R&P program.