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Republican leaders urge investigation into DCYF after audits and whistleblower reports
Summary
Republican leaders said auditors and whistleblowers have raised credible concerns about the Department of Children, Youth, and Families and called for objective, third-party or auditor-led review to determine whether waste, fraud or abuse has occurred.
Republican leaders at a leadership media availability pressed for oversight and investigation into allegations about the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), saying reports and audits raised concerns that deserve review.
A reporter asked whether leadership had seen bipartisan interest in bills to give more oversight of DCYF. Republican speakers replied there have been audit findings and internal whistleblower reports that warrant investigation. "There's credible, allegations that there's something going on wrong. Whether they're true or not, I don't think anybody in this room knows. But whether they're true or not, they deserve investigation," said Senator John Brown.
Speakers said state auditor reviews and legislative oversight mechanisms should be used where warranted. One speaker said leadership had not personally seen direct evidence of fraud but argued that audits and whistleblowers within state government provided a basis to examine the agency's spending and controls.
Some Democrats at a pre-session forum reportedly found the suggestion of fraud offensive to honest childcare providers; leadership said their intent was to root out waste and protect taxpayers and service providers alike.
The availability did not include on-the-record findings of criminal activity, nor did it produce formal legislative action. Republican leaders said they would pursue oversight options and urged objective audits rather than pre-judgment.
