Ohio Auditor on Preventing Daycare Fraud Without Racial Profiling

Preventing Child Care Fraud in Ohio

• 🎯 Ohio's State Auditor, Keith Faber, is addressing an increase in claims about child care fraud, particularly concerning Somali-run centers, following a similar situation in Minnesota.
• 💡 Faber emphasizes that the state is implementing measures like basing funding on actual attendance rather than enrollment and requiring rigorous check-in/check-out procedures to monitor attendance.
• ⚠️ He cautions against making assumptions or engaging in racial profiling, noting that Governor DeWine also warned against jumping to conclusions without evidence.

Investigations and Evidence

• 🔍 Faber states that the Ohio Auditor's office, which includes a criminal division, investigates potential fraud cases based on facts and evidence, not mere suspicion or social media claims.
• ⚖️ He highlights that while most convictions stem from tips, the tips must provide concrete facts, such as witnessing a specific fraudulent transaction, rather than broad accusations based on ethnicity or perceived wealth.
• ✅ In 2025, 12 out of 5,200 child care facilities in Ohio were found to be fraudulent and shut down, though the operators were not detailed.

Broader Scope of Fraud Prevention

• 📊 The auditor's office investigates government agencies' controls and looks into waste, fraud, and abuse within government programs.
• 🏥 Faber mentions that fraud is not limited to daycares; they are also examining potential fraud in healthcare, Medicaid, and elder care programs, similar to issues seen in Minnesota.
• 🌍 Investigations are conducted statewide across Ohio, not targeting specific communities, and the office is committed to remaining vigilant against fraud in all government programs.
• 📞 Citizens are encouraged to report suspected fraud through the hotline (1-866-FRAUD) or the Ohio Auditor's website (ohioauditor.gov).