Letter: Improvement in policies under way

The Departments of Early Learning and Social and Health Services would like to inform the public on how to report fraud in the state’s Working Connections Child Care program, which helps low-income families pay for child care.

The WCCC audit was the subject of a Sept. 23 story, “Audit: WA paid too much for child care.” The audit found that lack of access to child care attendance records resulted in overpayments and questionable payments to child-care providers.

We have acted to ensure proper use of WCCC, but the public’s help is critical to ensure the program is used by those who need the services.

If you suspect fraud, please contact:

• DSHS Welfare Fraud, P.O. Box 45817, Olympia, WA 98504-5817

o Welfare fraud hotline, 800-562-6906.

• Fax 360-664-0032, Attention Hotline.

• DSHS website, https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/dshsroot/fraud/index.asp.

We have acted to improve WCCC accountability by recovering $426,000 in overpayments and referring certain providers for criminal action; pursuing legal authority to obtain attendance records; hiring auditors to identify fraud; and preparing joint recommendations for an electronic child care attendance system.

DSHS will lead a work group to review policies and procedures for reporting, evaluating and resolving improper payments to providers.

Steven Lowe

Olympia