Governing for Results 13 - Washington State Digital Archives

Department of Social and Health Services
Childcare Fraud Project
The Childcare Unit at the Mt. Vernon Community Service Office (CSO)
completed a review of its Working Connections Childcare caseload to determine
the accuracy of childcare payments. The review identified a number of cases
involving duplicate payments made to different providers for the same children,
payments made to unlicensed in-home care providers providing childcare outside
of a child’s home (in violation of program rules), and payments made for hours of
childcare beyond what had been approved by CSO staff.
A team comprised of CSO and Department of Social and Health Services
(DSHS) Division of Fraud Investigation (DFI) staff was established to address
concerns of provider fraud in the childcare program and the safety of children
receiving care from unlicensed providers. The team identified areas of potential
fraud, and provided training to CSO childcare staff that focused on identifying
questionable circumstances and preparing fraud investigation referrals. After
training, 75 referrals were made to DFI investigators.
Results
★ Increased safety to children by ensuring childcare program requirements are
being met.
★ Estimated savings of $14,036 in childcare payments.
★ Enhanced communication between CSO and DFI staff.
★ Increased communication between CSO staff and clients regarding client
childcare choices.
★ Childcare staff trained to identify areas of questionable circumstances.
Team Name: Childcare Fraud Team
Team Members: Jack Arntzen, Pat Park, Lowell Bieber, Rick Gaynor, Greg
Powell, Patti Omdal
CONTACT: Patti Omdal, (360) 416-7301
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