Finding Text
Finding 2022-002 ? Family Self Sufficiency Program ? Special Provisions ? Noncompliance & Significant Deficiency Family Self Sufficiency Program ? ALN#14.896 Condition: We reviewed a total of twenty (20) FSS participant files, ten (10) under the Public Housing program and ten (10) under the HCV program. Per the FSS Action Plan, the Authority should maintain contact with each participant on a monthly basis, as well as maintaining records of each participant?s goals. We found that nine (9) of the participants had not been in consistent contact with their assigned specialist, some of these as far back as 2020. We found three (3) files in which the applicable Individual Training and Service Plans (ITSP?s) were not signed by the participant. We also noted that there was a lack of documentation that participants graduating from the program had met their goals. The Authority is not in compliance with CFR 984.303 Contract of Participation. They are also not following the internal policies governing FSS administration regarding monthly check-ins with the participants. Criteria: Regulations at 24 CFR 984.303 outline the requirements of the FSS program. Each participating FSS family must enter into a Contract of Participation with the PHA, which stipulates interim and final goals. This should include the ITSP for the head of household. The Authority?s internal policy also dictates that the Authority should maintain contact with the participants on a monthly basis. Cause: Controls over the administration of the FSS program do not appear to be in place or operating effectively. Effect: When the program is not maintained in compliance with 24 CFR 984.303 this can result in a possible error in retaining a client on the program. Consequently, when it is not clear whether a client should remain on the program there might be an error from rent and HAP payment amounts. Additionally, as a result of noncompliance the expenditures in a program may be disallowed and the grant income recovered. Recommendation: We recommend that the Authority maintain proper records relating to the participant?s goals under the program. We also recommend that the Authority maintain consistent contact with all program participants. Consistent contact ensures participants are meeting program and personal goals, as well as providing participants with effective support when needed, while proper documentation is pertinent to valid and accurate disbursement of escrow funds upon completion of the program. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: No Was sampling statistically valid? Yes Views of responsible officials: The PHA agrees with the results of the audit and recommendations.