⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 12 findings
F1
Page 14
In fiscal year 2015-2016, CSSA had 24,460 established child support cases in its system and was able to provide resources and services to 25,210 children in Tulare County. Of the child support owed, 74.3% was collected and distributed.
F2
Page 14
Resources provided include access to a Family Law Facilitator who provides information and assists parents to obtain and complete court forms at no charge. An Ombudsperson is also available to help resolve complaints, explain the complaint process, rights and responsibilities, the hearing process and arrange for interpreters or special accommodations.
F3
Page 14
Paternity must be established before the court will order child support. The Paternity Opportunity Program offers an easy and free method of establishing paternity by having both parents sign the form in the hospital after the child’s birth. The hospital will file the form with the Department of Child Services. Paternity may also be established by genetic testing if either parent requests verification of paternity. The genetic testing will exclude any person who is not the biological father. It provides confirmation of paternity with a 99% accuracy rate. If there is a dispute about paternity and either party refuses testing, the court may order the parties submit to be tested or be in contempt of court. If the alleged father refuses or is unavailable/missing the court can actually establish paternity through reviewing evidence.
F4
Page 14
A parent ordered to pay child support is responsible for meeting that obligation. Income, other financial responsibilities, amount of time each parent has custody (if shared) are taken into consideration. If a non-custodial parent finds it impossible to meet the full obligation, they should notify the local child support agency as soon as possible to avoid or minimize adverse actions. The child support payments will still be due, but it may be possible to work out a payment plan. There are many reasons either parent may request child support payments be modified.
F5
Page 14
Locating a non-custodial parent who is determined to be in arrears of child support payments, requires the Local Child Support Agency to access all appropriate sources within seventy-five days. The State office is the branch that works with other states, in a sophisticated computerized effort, to 10 TULARE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT 2016-2017 locate non-custodial parents who are missing and in arrears.
F6
Page 15
CSSA works with noncustodial parents who are behind in payments. The goal is to work out a plan for repayment that will benefit the child and clear the non-custodial parent’s record.
F7
Page 17
There were 1,866 provisional ballots not counted due to insufficient information.
F8
Page 17
The number of provisional ballots cast contributed to the shortage of ballots.
F9
Page 17
The increase in provisional voters caused delays at some polling sites. 13
F10
Page 41
The WPCD has a bank account outside of the county treasurer, but its revenues are less than $500,000.
F11
Page 41
On April 13, 2015, the board approved to transfer an amount that exceeded accumulated earnings on those principal funds. Upon completion of the audit for that year, management was aware of the uncompliant excess withdrawal and understood the need to transfer it back to the separate account. As of June 30, 2016, there still remains excess funds that must be transferred back to the county treasury.
F12
Page 41
At the entrance of the handicap ramp there is a large mat that obstructs the passage of walkers and wheelchairs which is not in compliance with ADA.
Recommendations 7
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R1Page 18Ensure the person hired is a knowledgeable and experienced Registrar of Voters.
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R2Page 18Fill all authorized department vacancies.
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R3Page 18Continue to provide required training for all employees and volunteers.
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R4Page 18Be prepared to deploy additional touch screen machines when needed.
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R5Page 18Provide additional voting booths for General Elections.
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R6Page 18Be prepared to print additional ballots when needed.
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R7Page 18Debrief with all stakeholders after each election.
No Responses Found 5
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Buena Vista Elementary School District
School District
Tulare City Elementary School District
School District
Tulare County District Attorney
Elected County Office
Tulare County Public Defender
Elected County Office