DCF audits are necessary
The Kansas Department for Children and Families is committed to helping Kansas kids. When federal funds for Kansas Early Head Start programs fell short, this administration stepped up to ensure that these important programs continued, by offering financial support. KEHS receives more than $11 million per year.
Recent criticism from an Eagle editorial (“Kids losing in DCF audits,” Oct. 16 Opinion) pulled information from a Kansas Health Institute News Service article in which the reporter omitted key information that demonstrated the need for our audits of these programs.
DCF has a duty to Kansas taxpayers to ensure that funds are being used for direct services to children and not contributing to government waste. Although the KEHS audit findings are still in draft form, preliminarily I can say that some taxpayer dollars that should have gone to serve children in need were used to fund entertainment, dinner expenses and flowers for staff, etc.
KEHS audits were initiated after our federal partners advised us of concerns, dating back to 2010. Before focusing on this program, DCF first audited the Centers for Independent Living. We found taxpayer money used to pay for Wii gaming systems, holiday parties for staff, out-of-country travel, gift certificates for staff, personal gifts for the executive director and working lunches at Prairie Band Casino. DCF audits are necessary.
The Eagle editorial said that the audit was one reason why Wichita-based Child Start decided not to reapply for KEHS funds. However, in a March 24, 2014, letter to DCF, Child Start executive director Teresa Rupp mentioned nothing of this concern, but rather cited the organization’s inability to comply with federal requirements related to child care partners. Some of those federal concerns mentioned earlier relate to Child Start, which has been in and out of compliance since 2010.
DCF is acting in the best interest of children, not of executives who are upset with justifying their expenses on administrative costs as opposed to direct services for children in need.
DCF is required to conduct these audits when we receive federal funds. KEHS providers sign an agreement that specifies they will be audited and need to comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations. It is our goal to work with KEHS programs and help them continue to serve their communities.
Kathe Decker is deputy secretary for family services at the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
This story was originally published October 17, 2014 at 3:06 PM with the headline "DCF audits are necessary."