Report 2014-118 Recommendation 11 Responses
Report 2014-118: California Department of Developmental Services: Its Process for Assessing Fees Paid by Parents of Children Living in Residential Facilities Is Woefully Inefficient and Inconsistent (Release Date: January 2015)
Recommendation #11 To: Developmental Services, Department of
To improve management oversight of the Parental Fee Program, Developmental Services should establish performance measures related to the timeliness of placement identification, information sharing with parents, a review of financial information and determination of fees, the billing of subsequent fees, and the completion of the appeals process when applicable.
1-Year Agency Response
Program staff now produces monthly statistical reports which are used to track and monitor various program administrative processes to ensure timely processing of program fee assessment and appeals processes. These statistics are reviewed monthly by the Program Manager and trends are shared with Department Management as needed. The Department is now directing resources to development of renewed practices and requirements necessary for implementation of AB 564 on July 1, 2016.
- Estimated Completion Date: 12/31/2016
- Response Date: February 2016
California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Fully Implemented
Developmental Services provided evidence indicating that it now tracks and monitors the timeliness of a variety of program administrative processes, including the ones specifically listed in our recommendation.
6-Month Agency Response
Program staff has completed a draft of monthly program activity reports that will be delivered to the Section Chief, Branch Manager and Deputy Director for review. This reporting function will include data and statistics on relevant program activity to include account identification, rating, redetermination, appeals, regional center compliance, and other issues impacting the program's compliance with CSA recommendation and legal requirements. This reporting mechanism will also contain measurable statistical information for ongoing monitoring of program performance. Also, the Department is hiring a retired annuitant, with broad administrative and program experience, to assist in establishing performance measures to improve management oversight of the Parental Fee Program.
- Estimated Completion Date: 08/31/2015
- Response Date: July 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Pending
60-Day Agency Response
60-Day Report Response: The Department has begun to define program measures in critical areas and will define requirements as they relate to review financial information, determination and billing of fees and the program's appeal process in the program manual.
- Estimated Completion Date: 07/31/2015
- Response Date: March 2015
California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Pending
All Recommendations in 2014-118
Agency responses received are posted verbatim.