The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) plays a vital role in supporting low-income families by providing financial assistance for child care, enabling parents to work or attend training and their children to access quality early learning environments. As the third largest federal block grant, CCDF allocated $5.4 billion in federal funds in FY 2015, reaching approximately 1.5 million children monthly through a partnership between the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and individual states. Ensuring the integrity of such a significant program is paramount to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and to guarantee that funds effectively reach those in need.
A 2016 report by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), “More Effort is Needed to Protect the Integrity of the Child Care and Development Fund” (OEI-03-16-00150), sheds light on state-level program integrity efforts within CCDF during FY 2015. This report examines the scope and outcomes of these state activities and assesses the extent to which states are actively engaged in critical anti-fraud measures. The findings underscore the ongoing need for robust program integrity to safeguard CCDF resources.
To provide a clearer picture of the diverse landscape of CCDF program administration across the nation, an interactive map was developed to accompany the OIG report. This map visually represents key program characteristics for each state, including relevant program statistics and specific program integrity activities undertaken.
View a text-based version of this data.
Federal Funding Amounts for CCDF in FY 2015
| Funding Level |
|---|
| Less than $40 million |
| $40 million to $100 million |
| Greater than $100 million |
The Importance of Program Integrity
Program integrity within CCDF is not merely an administrative concern; it is fundamentally linked to the program’s ability to achieve its core objectives. Strong program integrity measures ensure that CCDF funds are used appropriately and effectively, reaching eligible families and supporting quality child care services. This includes preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, and minimizing payment errors. By actively monitoring and addressing potential vulnerabilities, states can maximize the impact of CCDF investments in early childhood development and family economic stability. The OIG report and the accompanying interactive map serve as valuable resources for understanding the current state of program integrity efforts and identifying areas for continued improvement and vigilance.
