Audit Finds Flaws In NJ Low-Income Child Care Program
TRENTON, NJ (AP) - A new audit has found significant flaws with a government-funded child care program for low-income families in New Jersey.
The state comptroller's report released Wednesday finds as many as 4,000 ineligible children enrolled, while double that number are on waiting lists for services.
Additionally, the report finds the state routinely overpays child care providers it contracts with due to overstated attendance and simple math errors.
The audit shows nearly $14 million in child care expenses were paid over a two-year period for 3,800 children whose Social Security number had been entered as a series of 9s. One-tenth of Family Development Division files contain no documents of family income.
The audit makes recommendations for 12 changes.
Division officials say they are strengthening their internal controls.
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