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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Tulare County Grand Jury • 2016-2017

Tulare County Grand Jury Report 2016-2017 Review of 2013/2014 Implementation The Tulare County Grand Jury annually

58 pages
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Findings 16 findings

F1
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
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
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
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
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
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
There were 1,866 provisional ballots not counted due to insufficient information.
F8
The number of provisional ballots cast contributed to the shortage of ballots.
F9
The increase in provisional voters caused delays at some polling sites. 13
F10
The WPCD has a bank account outside of the county treasurer, but its revenues are less than $500,000.
F11
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
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.
F13
The Tulare County Agricultural Commission reported a 13.7 % decrease in total gross production value between 2014 and 2015. FINDINGS: F1. Continuing drought issues affecting agricultural operations will significantly impact future revenues and the county’s ability to meet its financial goals. F2. The UAL, as of June 30, 2016, was $238 million, an increase of nearly $37 million. F3. By the end of the proposed 19-year plan, the underfunded liability is expected to be eliminated.
F14
Please tell us about any special skills or abilities that you have which the judges should know about in considering your application?
F15
Please tell us why you are interested in serving on the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury. (Please attach additional pages as needed)
F16
Describe any background experience or skills you have which would be helpful to grand jury service (i.e., computer skills, leadership skills, or experience writing/editing reports, working in groups, or conducting investigations or interviews.) Would you be willing to serve in any of the following capacities? FOREPERSON Yes No SECRETARY Yes No COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON Yes No Mail in or deliver questionnaire to: Civil Grand Jury TulareCounty Superior Court 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 303 Visalia, CA 93291 Or Fax to: (559) 737-4290 NOTE: Applicants for nomination as a member of the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury are subject to investigation by an appropriate law enforcement agency as to the statutory qualifications for service and the applicant’s ability and suitability for service. In support of my application for selection as a member of the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury, I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing information is true and correct. Signed: Date: PLEASE RETURN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE NO LATER THAN: April 19, 2019 53 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 54

Recommendations 18