Nonprofit Settles Allegations of Enrolling Ineligible Children in Head Start Programs

A Connecticut-based nonprofit organization has reached a civil settlement agreement to resolve allegations that it enrolled the children of former employees who falsely claimed to be homeless into its Head Start programs. The settlement highlights the importance of verifying program eligibility and maintaining accurate records to ensure the integrity of federally funded initiatives designed to support underprivileged families and children.

Uncovering a Troubling Pattern of Abuse

The Connecticut Institute For Communities, Inc. (CIFC), a Danbury-based nonprofit that operates Head Start programs in several locations across the state, has agreed to pay ,600 to resolve the allegations. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the government alleged that between September 4, 2013, and August 31, 2016, CIFC enrolled the children of two former employees who were falsely documented as homeless and for whom false supporting documents were created.

Misusing a Program Intended for the Vulnerable

The Head Start program is a federally funded initiative that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services to low-income children and their families. The program is primarily intended to serve homeless children and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the goal of supporting their growth and development from birth to 5 years old.

Violating Eligibility Requirements

The government's investigation revealed that the CIFC employees, including the former manager of eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance for the organization's Head Start programs, were not actually homeless. By falsely documenting their children as homeless, they were able to enroll them in the Head Start programs, which are required to verify applicants' program eligibility and maintain accurate records of those determinations.

Cooperating with the Investigation

As part of the settlement, CIFC received credit for cooperating with the government during the investigation. The False Claims Act allegations were originally brought in a lawsuit filed by two whistleblowers, who were former CIFC employees. The whistleblowers will receive a portion of the settlement, ,832, as their share.

Ensuring Accountability and Integrity

The settlement highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of federally funded programs like Head Start, which are designed to support the most vulnerable members of our society. By holding organizations accountable for any misuse of these programs, the government sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated and that the proper use of taxpayer funds is a top priority.

Strengthening Oversight and Compliance

The case also underscores the need for robust oversight and compliance measures within organizations that receive federal funding. Grantees like CIFC must have robust systems in place to verify applicants' eligibility and maintain accurate records to ensure that the intended beneficiaries are the ones receiving the services and support they need.

Protecting the Interests of Vulnerable Families

The Head Start program plays a crucial role in providing early childhood education, health, and family support services to low-income families and those facing homelessness. By ensuring that these programs are used as intended, the government can better protect the interests of the vulnerable populations they are designed to serve and maximize the impact of the resources invested in these initiatives.