Strengthening Grant Integrity: Oversight for Refugee and
UAC Programs
As the federal government transfers greater responsibilities and funds for refugee care to the states, the mandate for state-level oversight has become exponentially more complex. Managing the care of unaccompanied children (UAC) and refugees is a sensitive, high-stakes endeavor.
With lives on the line, the pressure is immense. State managers are now tasked with ensuring that billions in funding are used correctly while protecting vulnerable populations from negligence and abuse.
The Risks: Why Standard Audits Are Not Enough
Research indicates that the most widespread causes of program deficiencies include high staff turnover, inadequate training on fraud controls, and a lack of documented procedures. Without robust infrastructure, these gaps can lead to major audit findings, penalties,
and revocation of funds.
More importantly, inadequate oversight can result in tragic human costs. Recent history demonstrates that when controls fail, children face neglect and abuse while funds intended for their care are diverted.
Case Study: The Cost of Oversight Failure
The experience of Southwest Key Programs, Inc. (SWK)—historically the largest shelter provider for unaccompanied children—serves as a critical warning. Despite receiving over $3 billion in federal funding between 2015 and 2023, the organization faced DOJ lawsuits regarding systemic sexual abuse and repeated OIG findings concerning financial mismanagement and safety deficiencies.
The Takeaway
Basic audits are insufficient. Protecting vulnerable populations requires a comprehensive framework that incorporates real-time safety oversight and swift contractual accountability.
Our Solution: The Vander Weele Group's Essential Toolkit for Managing Mega-Grants
The Vander Weele Group is an impact-driven grants oversight firm dedicated to building a culture of compliance and accountability. We act as your quality control partner, helping you "navigate the seas" of mega-grants from the moment you set sail to the final port of call.
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We offer a risk-driven, end-to-end solution designed to shield your state’s refugee grants program from fraud and failure.
Protect Lives. Safeguard Funds. Build Integrity.
The Vander Weele Group is a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) specializing in independent integrity monitoring. We do not just report on problems after the fact; we proactively identify risks and recommend corrective actions to prevent legal and financial liabilities.
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Facing limited internal capacity, many states outsource this critical function to our experienced team to ensure mission success.
Learn how our integrated oversight services can support your refugee grant programs.