Finding 1217504 (2025-005)

Finding 2025-005 Lack of Internal Control over Special Tests and Provisions- Character Investigations Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Programs: Indian Health Services Compact ALN: 93.210 Award Numbers: 58G970043 Award Years: 2024 and 2025 Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance and noncompliance Criteria: The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act(25 USC 3207 (c)) requires tribes and tribal organzations that receive funds under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act (ISDEAA) to conduct an investigation of the chracter of each individual who is emnployed or is being considered for employment in a position that involves regular contact with, or control over, Indian children. The Community must perform required background investigations on individuals who are employed or being considered for employment at Tribal and IHS health care facilities. Condition and Context: We selected a sample of 25 current employees who have regular contract with Indian children. The Community was missing federal background checks for seven of the employees sampled. Cause: Lack of internal control over chracter investigations. Effect: Failure to follow compliance requirements could result in loss of Federal funding. Questioned Costs: None noted. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that management implement a policy to perform required background checks for all employees that have regular contact with Indian children. Managements Response: Management agrees with this finding. See Corrective Action Plan.