Page 39

referrals; transportation; legal advocacy and information; counseling for children and parental support. S.A.F.E. house services are available to all victims of domestic violence, regardless of gender. Services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Bienvenidos Outreach

Bienvenidos manages three programs that provide assistance with basic needs to needy families. The food box program assists participants with groceries. The lunch bag program assists with lunch bags for the homeless and the clothing program provides clothing, housewares, books, etc. free of charge to its participants.

Casa Familia Urgent Transition Center and Sonrisa Family Supportive Living Programs

The Casa Familia Urgent Transition Center program provides emergency shelter for women, children, and families. The Sonrisa Family Supportive Living program provides transitional housing for formerly homeless women, children, and families. Both programs are managed through the Saint Elizabeth Shelter Corporation.

18. FRAUD & ABUSE IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL

Participants who fail to meet reporting requirements are subject to reporting sanctions and may be prosecuted for fraud.

HCA’s OIG is responsible for fraud and abuse identification and control. Cases are referred to OIG for fraud determination in a variety of ways.

Referrals are made by Income Support Division staff because of program compliance reviews when payment errors are entirely client caused or when the client refuses to cooperate with the review process. Cases are referred by county office staff because of their interaction with clients and based on an indication that information pertinent to the eligibility determination was withheld by the client.

OIG may initiate its own investigations when referrals that are made by the public or other agencies who have contact with participants. Once referred, OIG determines appropriate follow-up action through intensive investigation that may result in a determination of criminal intent and prosecution or in pursuit of other restitution activity including tax intercept and immediate collection.

Criminal prosecution is coordinated with local District Attorneys and/or the state Attorney General. In the case of federal programs, fraud prosecutions may be pursued through the federal court system.

ASD is responsible for the recovery of overpayments. This includes both cash repayments and recoupment from ongoing assistance payments.

HCA prohibits the use of EBT cards in any liquor store, casino, gambling casino, or gaming establishment; or any retail establishment which provides adult- oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. HCA provides information to a household when they receive their EBT card. Identified establishments and ATM's are not coded as being able to accept our