Finding 43209 (2022-003)

Adoption Assistance, Assistance Listing Number 93.659 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation): Benefit issuances should be supported by standardized forms and documents, such as approved applications and payment authorizations, and budget calculation forms. Condition and context: Of forty TANF benefits tested for 2022, the following exceptions were noted: ? Five selections were missing the eligibility checklist (LDSS-3912), ? One selection was missing the benefit payment approval form (LDSS-2970), and ? One selection was missing evidence that efforts were made to place the child in adoption without subsidy. Cause: Consistency of application of established County policies and procedures principally due to staffing changes. Effect or potential effect: Without proper documentation to demonstrate the propriety of benefits issued, benefits may be issued to ineligible applicants or in amounts that are not appropriate. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: Management should continue to monitor supervisory review procedures to ensure completeness of applicant files. Views of responsible officials: As detailed within the Corrective Action Plan, management has agreed to the findings and recommendation noted above.