Oklahoma Human Services Seeks Audit of Grant Program

Oklahoma Department of Human Services Requests Audit Amid Concerns Over Child Care Grant Program

In a significant development for child care initiatives in Oklahoma, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has taken a proactive stance by requesting an audit of its Child Care Desert Startup Grant program. This decision comes after an internal review raised alarms about possible improper expenditures amongst the program’s grantees.

On Wednesday, Jeffrey Cartmell, the director of DHS, penned a letter to the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector, formally requesting a comprehensive audit of the grant program aimed at supporting child care facilities in “child care deserts.” The urgency of this audit stems from concerns regarding what the department termed “disallowable expenses.” Such expenditures could potentially undermine the very mission of the program, which is designed to alleviate the scarcity of accessible child care options in the state.

“We are committed to being a self-correcting system that continuously performs its due diligence and maintains a strong focus on excellence,” Cartmell stated in his letter. He underscored the department’s dedication to accountability, vowing to hold those responsible for any mismanagement accountable for their actions. Cartmell also expressed gratitude towards Oklahoma Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd, emphasizing a commitment to full transparency and cooperation throughout the auditing process.

The decision to conduct an audit follows an initial inspection by the Office of Inspector General within DHS, which examined the expenditures of 10 grantees. The findings of this review raised serious flags regarding the legitimacy of certain expenses claimed by those managing the grant funds. Details from this early review have already been shared with Byrd’s staff, along with representatives from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, marking a serious step towards ensuring integrity in the management of public funds.

However, a spokesperson from the DHS has indicated that further questions about the matter cannot be addressed at this time, as it could jeopardize the integrity of the ongoing audit process. This cautious approach highlights the department’s focus on maintaining a fair and thorough investigation.

The Child Care Desert Startup Grant program was launched in 2022 with the noble intention of addressing a critical shortfall in child care services across Oklahoma. The program identified 34 counties as lacking sufficient licensed child care providers to meet the demands of parents and guardians who require reliable care for their children while they work.

Under this program, each eligible applicant could potentially receive up to ,000 per child served—a significant sum intended to incentivize the establishment of new child care facilities in underserved areas. Such financial support has the power to transform communities by increasing access to quality child care, thereby enabling more parents to join or remain in the workforce.

The grant program was slated to continue until July 2023, or until the allocated funds were largely expended, a timeline that highlights the urgency of rectifying any potential issues within the program before resources are exhausted.

This recent decision to audit the Child Care Desert Startup Grant program underscores a growing trend among state agencies to analyze their operations critically and ensure that funds are being used appropriately. While audits can be seen as a reflection of negative scrutiny, they are also a crucial mechanism for improvement in public service delivery.

Maintaining focus on the welfare of children and the support of working families should remain a priority, especially in a state where child care access has been a persistent issue. As the audit unfolds, stakeholders—including parents, child care providers, and policymakers—will likely be watching closely to see how the findings might shape the future of child care financing and support in Oklahoma.

As we await further details from the audit process, residents can remain hopeful that transparency will lead to renewed trust in the DHS and its initiatives. After all, the ultimate goal should be to foster an environment where children can thrive, and families can access the support they need without barriers.

For ongoing updates about this developing story, stay tuned as we continue to follow the situation closely.