State Auditor Flags Child Care Subsidy Weaknesses

0:00Washington State Auditor just dropped a report flagging weaknesses in how the state spots improper child care subsidy payments. This is part of their annual single audit, covering $23.7 billion in federal funds across 28 programs. Overall compliance got better, with only 50 issues found, down from 82 last year. Auditor's sample providers impegged questionable payments at $27.2 million from child care development funds, plus $9.9 million from temporary assistance for needy families. Problems included providers ghosting on attendance records, overbilling without proof and missing parent signatures. State Auditor Pam McCarthy stressed no fraud was found, just red flags needing follow-up. She praised the governor's team for stepping up accountability. Meanwhile, the Department of Children, Youth and Families pushed back, saying the audit shows no fun misuse, and those big numbers are just. Projections, not proof of anything shady.

1:01For years since fiscal 2021, auditors couldn't even track child care development funds because of messy accounting adjustments by the department. This year, fewer tweaks let them link payments to sources and run a full check. DCYF is already working on stronger internal controls and prepayment checks to catch issues of front, keeping public trust solid as these subsidies. Support families statewide. I'm Corey with the story, and you've been listening to Canada News Today, AI-powered local news.