FEBRUARY 2005 REPORT NO. 2005 - 119management’s objectives, of compliance withcontrolling laws, administrative rules, andother guidelines; the economic, efficient, andeffective operation of the Department; andthe reliability of records and reports.In conducting our audit, we interviewed auditeepersonnel, observed processes and procedures, andcompleted various analyses and other procedures asdetermined necessary. The audit includedexaminations of various transactions (as well as eventsand conditions) occurring during the period October2002 through September 2004.AUTHORITYPursuant to the provisions of Section 11.45, FloridaStatutes, I have directed that this report be prepared topresent the results of our operational audit.William O. Monroe, CPAAuditor GeneralAUDITEE RESPONSEIn a letter dated February 8, 2005, the Secretary of theDepartment provided her response to our findingsand recommendations. The letter may be viewed in itsentirety at the end of this report.Page 7 of 20
FEBRUARY 2005 REPORT NO. 2005 - 119Exhibit 1<strong>Independent</strong> <strong>Living</strong> Transition Services <strong>Program</strong>Eligibility Requirements<strong>Program</strong> ComponentsandTypes of ServicesExamples of SpecificServices ProvidedAge GroupServedFoster CareStatusInitialRequest ForServices ByInitialDeterminationBasisAcademicRequirementsOngoingDeterminationBasisSpending CapsClientCount(a)Teen ServicesPre-<strong>Independent</strong> <strong>Living</strong>Training related toself care,social development,work and study habits,money management, etc.13 up to 15 Current N/ANeedsAssessmentN/APeriodicEvaluationsN/A 1,848Life SkillsTraining related tobanking and budgeting skills,interviewing skills,parenting skills,educational support,employment training,counseling, etc.15 up to 18 Current N/ANeedsAssessmentN/AEvaluationsevery 6 monthsN/A 3,429Subsidized <strong>Independent</strong><strong>Living</strong> (SIL)<strong>Living</strong> arrangements that allowthe child to live independently of16 up to 18the daily care and supervision ofan adultAt least 6months priorto enteringSILN/ADemonstrate ILskillsN/AContinue todemonstrate ILskillsN/A 374Total IL 5,651Young Adult (YA) ServicesAftercareMentoring, tutoring,mental health services,substance abuse counseling,parenting classes,job skills training,counselor consultations,temporary financial assistance,etc.18 up to 23Leave foster Prior to agecare at age 18 23NeedsAssessmentN/ANon-recurring$1,000 perfiscal year200Transitional SupportShort-term services, includingfinancial, housing, counseling,18 up to 23employment, education, mentalhealth, disability, etc.In foster careor SIL at age18 and 6months priorto age 18Prior to age23Demonstrateservices arecritical toachievingself-sufficiencyTransition PlanN/AQuarterlyevaluations todemonstratecontinual need$5,000 perfiscal year800Road-to-Independence (RTI)ScholarshipsProvide funds to studentspursuing educational goals tomeet living and educationalexpenses(c)18 up to 23In foster careor SIL at age18 and 6months priorto age 18Prior to age21NeedsAssessmentFull timeenrollment inPost-secondary,High School, orGED <strong>Program</strong>(d)Annualrenewal, earnfull time credithours, maintainappropriateprogress$10,704 perfiscal year1,267Education and TrainingVouchers (ETV)(b)Provide funds to studentsattending institutions of highereducation (university,community college, vocationalschool)18 up to 23In foster careor SIL at age18 and 6months prior Prior to ageto age 18 or 21adopted fromfoster care atage 16 or 17Requirementsof Scholarshipor TransitionalSupportTransition PlanAdmission andattendance at postsecondaryinstitutionRequirementsof Scholarshipor TransitionalSupport$5,000 perfiscal year;Prorated if parttime;Not to exceedcost of attendance(b)Total RTI 2,267Sources: Chapter 2004-362, Laws of Florida; DCF Guidelines, HomeSafenet, Integrated <strong>Child</strong> <strong>Welfare</strong> Services In<strong>for</strong>mation System.(a) Numbers <strong>for</strong> Pre-<strong>Independent</strong> <strong>Living</strong> and Life Skills represent children in foster care within the respective age group as of February 2005.Numbers <strong>for</strong> all other types of service represent clients receiving services during fiscal year 2003-04. Note: Clients may receive more than one type of service.(b) Additional funding <strong>for</strong> RTI Scholarships and Transitional Support (client count included therein). Presented separately due to unique Federal requirements.(c) Young adults eligible <strong>for</strong> RTI Scholarships are exempt from paying tuition and fees while attending State post-secondary educational institutions, pursuant to Section 1009.25(2)(c), Florida Statutes.(d) Prior to June 24, 2004, the effective date of Chapter 2004-362, Laws of Florida, high school students were required to maintain a 2.0 GPA and GED <strong>Program</strong> participants were required to showsatisfactory progress.Page 8 of 20