LLA Mike Waguespack published an audit report for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ Office of Juvenile Justice on Wednesday that evaluated the effectiveness of internal controls over the federal foster care program during the last fiscal year.
Auditors found OJJ did not adequately review foster care invoices submitted to the Department of Children and Family Services for reimbursement to ensure billings were accurately calculated.
“These conditions occurred because of a weakness in controls in the review of Foster Care administrative invoices,” the report read. “Federal regulations require OJJ to establish and maintain effective internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal requirements.”
Auditors ultimately found $128,236 in overpayments considered questionable costs, though they reviewed less than half of the money invoiced.
“OJJ should strengthen controls to ensure administrative invoices submitted to DCFS are calculated accurately,” the report read.
OJJ Undersecretary Jason Starnes responded to the audit report in a letter to Waguespack on April 5 that concurred with the finding and explained how the agency has improved its billing process.
“Effectively immediately, an additional level of review and approval of the Foster Care administrative invoices will be added to the process,” Starnes wrote.
“Samantha Dunbar, DPS Staff Accountant, will continue to prepare the invoices, and submit the invoice and supporting documentation to Wanda Armwood, DPS Lead Staff Accountant for the first level review and approval. One the Lead Accountant approves, the invoices and documentation will be forwarded to A’shli Oliver, DPS Accounting Manager, for the second level review and approval.
