Office of Inspector General

KEITH HORTON COMMISSIONER
TO REPORT FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE 1-877-423-4746
OIG LEADERSHIP: Terry Hamrick Inspector General Charles Hicks
Deputy Inspector General

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
VISION AND MISSION The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) was created in 2007. It is the vision of the OIG to promote the integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of DHS programs and operations in support of the overall mission of DHS. To accomplish this, OIG work must be timely, objective, accurate, balanced, and presented in such a way that appropriate officials will be able to act upon the information conveyed. Under the authority of the Commissioner, the OIG:
Conducts independent and objective audits, investigations, surveys, and other activities relevant to the mission of DHS; recommends and monitors corrective actions
Seeks administrative sanctions, civil recoveries and/ or criminal prosecution of those responsible for fraud, waste and abuse in DHS programs and offices
Keeps the Commissioner and DHS Leadership informed about noted and potential problems and deficiencies
The OIG is comprised of five separate units:
Background Investigations Unit Benefits Recovery Unit Internal Audits Unit Internal Investigations Unit Residential Child Care Unit
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS UNIT (BIU) BIU provides statewide support services to all Divisions and Offices within DHS and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA). The Unit monitors the access, maintenance, storage, and use of criminal history record information obtained for specific and legally required purposes in support of the mission of the Department. BIU processes criminal background investigations for DHS and contractor employment, Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) Child Protective Services, Emergency and Non-Emergency Placements, Home Study Evaluations, Safety Resources and Relative Placements. The Unit is comprised of two sections, Criminal Records and Electronic Fingerprinting.
BENEFITS RECOVERY UNIT (BRU) BRU is charged with investigating recipient fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS). Fraud occurs when a person withholds or falsifies information to receive public assistance for which s/he is not eligible or when recipients trade or sell EBT cards in violation of program regulations. BRU receives reports of suspected fraud from both internal and external sources. The Unit is comprised of five unique sections - Fraud Investigations, Special Operations, Claims and Collections, Data Integrity, and Training and Development.

INTERNAL AUDITS UNIT The OIG Internal Audit Unit provides the Department's leadership team with management information to promote improvements in accountability and stewardship within DHS. This unit is responsible for:
Conducting financial and compliance audits Reviewing audits performed by private sector auditors on organizations that receive
departmental funds Managing the audit work on the Community Service Boards Providing information regarding fiscal and program activity Conducting Rapid Process Improvements
The Unit also serves as a liaison with state and federal auditors and ensures that timely and accurate responses are provided to audits performed on the Department. The Unit conducts special audits and reviews on various aspects of the Department's activities and responsibilities, as requested by departmental management, and often works in tandem with the Internal Investigations Unit.
INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT (IIU) IIU is responsible for thoroughly investigating allegations of misconduct by employees, contractors, and others associated with the work of DHS. The Chief Investigator reports directly to the Inspector General. IIU goals include:
To conduct accurate and objective administrative investigations To refer matters for further civil, criminal, and administrative action to appropriate
administrative and prosecutorial agencies To conduct joint investigations and/or facilitate Department assistance in
investigations being conducted by external law enforcement agencies To partner with DHS divisions and offices in proactively seeking out and identifying
DHS employees and contractors who engage in misconduct and/or criminal behaviors To improve proficiency and efficiency in Department programs through recommendations based upon a review of policies and procedures and/or issues of concern identified in an investigation
RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE (RCCU) RCCU works to ensure that facilities and programs operate at acceptable levels, as mandated by state statutes and by rules and regulations, as well as to keep the public and referral sources informed on the performance of those facilities and programs through the posting of our surveys on the internet.
In September 2012, the DHS Office of Residential Child Care was moved under the Office of Inspector General and the name was changed to the Residential Child Care Unit (RCCU). RCCU is responsible for the monitoring, inspections, and licensing of Child Caring Institutions, Child Placing Agencies, Outdoor Child Caring Programs, Children's Transitional Care Centers, and Maternity Homes. RCCU also has the responsibility for the registration and minimal oversight of Runaway Homeless Youth Programs.