Last month, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) launched a comprehensive 360-degree compliance review of all providers participating in the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP).

This effort reflects my continued focus on program integrity, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. It also responds to concerns raised nationally about fraud and misuse in child care subsidy programs.

I committed to transparency as this work continues — and today am sharing our latest progress update.

Current Progress

As of last week:

• 276 providers have been visited in person
• 198 total reviews have been completed
• 11 providers have been terminated from the program

In addition, reviews are ongoing statewide through both on-site visits and off-site desk audits.

When providers are found out of compliance with program rules, DHW takes appropriate action. That may include corrective action, payment suspension, program termination, and referral for prosecution when warranted.

What the 360 Review Includes

The review examines compliance with state and federal rules, including:

• Attendance records
• Sign-in and sign-out documentation
• Parent and guardian signatures
• Billing practices
• Policies and procedures
• Alignment between billing and documented child attendance

Off-site reviews include requests for documentation covering multiple months of operations. Providers are given deadlines to respond, and findings are formally communicated.

Most providers are working hard to serve Idaho families appropriately and safely. These reviews are designed to protect children, ensure fairness for compliant providers, and maintain public trust in the program.

Ongoing Weekly Updates

To ensure transparency, DHW has published a dedicated webpage that will be updated every Friday through mid-March while the 360 reviews are underway. This new page will allow providers, families, policymakers, and community members to review updated counts and outcomes.

Strengthening Oversight Going Forward

I also requested additional staff resources from the Idaho Legislature to ensure 100% of ICCP providers can be reviewed annually moving forward. Strengthening oversight capacity helps:

• Detect non-compliance earlier
• Protect public funds
• Support ethical providers
• Ensure children are served safely

Reporting Concerns

If you are aware of potential fraud, waste, or abuse in any DHW program, please report it.

Every referral is reviewed.

DHW will continue sharing updates as this work progresses. Accountability, transparency, and protecting Idaho families remain central to our mission.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.