Finding 52062 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
A
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2022-12-20

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: One case manager lacked valid Child Welfare Care Manager Certification during home visits, violating contract requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with Contract #21-02 with Citrus Health Network, risking future funding opportunities.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement stronger internal controls to ensure timely certification renewals and communication of expirations.

Finding Text

Significant Deficiency SD2022-001 NON-COMPLIANCE-CHILD WELFARE CASE MANAGER CERTIFICATION (ALN 93.658) Criteria Family Resource Center of South Florida, Inc. (the "Organization") is required to comply with the terms noted in Contract #21-02 with Citrus Health Network, Inc. d/b/a Citrus Family Care Network ("CFCN"). As noted in Attachment 1 - Scope of Work, Section II A.2 of this agreement, the granting agency requires "all case managers must posses the Child Welfare Care Manager Certification." Condition During the compliance testing, the auditor noted one discrepancy, out of a sample of 20 selections tested. Marcum noted the case manager tested had a lapse in the Child Welfare Care Manager Certification from October 31, 2021 through February 3, 2022. During this time, the case manager was performing home visits. Upon discovery of lapse certification the Child Welfare Case Manager was notified to immediately cease performing duties that required a certification.Cause After discussion with the Organization and review of supporting documentation provided, it appears there was an administrative error when the certification renewal was submitted. Payment was made to the Florida Certification Board timely, however the Florida Certification Board misapplied the payment. Verification that the payment was applied correctly, by the Florida Certification Board, was not performed by the Organization in a timely manner. Effect Failure to ensure all case managers are properly certified results in the Organization being out of compliance with the requirements set forth in the underlying grant contracts and could impact their ability to obtain additional awards. Recommendation The Organization should ensure that adequate internal control procedures are in place to ensure that all certifications are considered active and renewed on a timely basis. These controls should include timely review and communication of expired certifications to all appropriate individuals. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding: SD2022-001 Non-compliance ? Child Welfare Case Manager Certification (ALN#93.658) Accountable Owner: Yissel Fernandez, Director of Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement Anticipated Completion Date: January 1, 2023 Action Steps: Betty Constant, Quality Assurance Specialist has added all staff with a certification to the Florida Certification Board online system. Three days post submittal of recertification and payment requirements, Betty Constant is verifying certification were renewed. On an on-going basis all staff certifications are reviewed bi-monthly through the portal by Betty Constant. Payments will be made via credit card on the Florida Certification Board on-line portal. New procedures will go into effect starting January 1, 2023.

Categories

Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 628504 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.658 Foster Care_title IV-E $5.61M
93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $2.32M
93.645 Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program $1.09M
93.659 Adoption Assistance $886,184
92.243 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services $416,064
93.556 Promoting Safe and Stable Families $407,201
93.674 John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood $325,752
20.513 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities $182,730
93.667 Social Services Block Grant $34,400
93.597 Grants to States for Access and Visitation Programs $8,331