Finding Text
2022-001 ? Special Tests and Provision ? Character Investigations Federal/state program information: Funding agency: U.S. Department of the Interior Title: Indian School Equalization Program (ISEP) ALN: 15.042 Award period: July 1, 2021 ? June 30, 2022 Criteria: The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (25 USC 3201 et seq.) requires Indian tribes and tribal organizations that receive funds under the ISDEAA or the Tribally Controlled Schools Act to conduct an investigation of the character of each individual who is employed or is being considered for employment by such Indian tribe or tribal organization in a position that involves regular contact with, or control over, Indian children. Condition: The School did not conduct a character investigation of one individual of the program. Context: One of three employees selected for testing from this program. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The School experienced turnover in its Human Resources department. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted in-person instruction and School operations during the last couple of years. Effect: The School is not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. Auditor?s Recommendations: The School should perform a review of all employee personnel files to ensure that all employees of the School have adequate documentation of completed character investigations. The School should maintain the results of any such investigations in each employees personnel file along with appropriate documentation from the School?s adjudicating official clearing the employee for employment with the School. Management?s Response: It is management?s intent that the School return to a state of compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act as quickly as possible. The individual identified during the testing of ISEP has had their character investigation initiated. Per the Crime Control Act of 1990 ? PL 101-647, provisional hiring is permitted and this individual can maintain their employment with the School while their background is adjudicated. On December 19, 2022, the Director of Human Resources vacancy was filled after nearly 6 months. The new Director is dedicated to ensuring that we are in compliance moving forward.