Texas State Auditor's Office - Summary of Report 24-018

A Performance Audit

An Audit Report on Performance-based Contracts at the Department of Family and Protective Services

July 2024

Overview

Background

Audit Objectives

The Department of Family and Protective Services (Department) has strengthened its processes for monitoring its performance-based contracts with Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs) since an audit in 2022. However, the Department should continue to improve those processes to address a critical weakness in its monitoring of child placement documentation, and it should create a plan to address significant instances of noncompliance identified during its monthly and quarterly reviews of the SSCCs.

PRIORITY

CHILD PLACEMENTS

The Department’s monitoring processes were not sufficient to identify and address when SSCCs are not completing critical child placement documentation.

Jump to Chapter 1

MEDIUM

KEY MONITORING REVIEWS

The Department strengthened its reviews of SSCCs’ performance with contracted activities. However, it should create a plan to address significant instances of identified noncompliance.

Jump to Chapter 2

NOT RATED

COSTS AND FUNDING

Funding was not sufficient to cover the total costs incurred for one SSCC, but it did cover the costs incurred under the contract for the second SSCC.

Jump to Chapter 3-A

MEDIUM

FUNDING RECONCILIATIONS

The Department had processes to help ensure that it accurately pays SSCCs. However, it did not always perform the reconciliations monthly and did not verify certain self-reported information.

Jump to Chapter 3-B

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