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Audit Found Dade Foster Care Agency Misspent State Funds

TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) - An investigation by the state's Inspector General's Office has found that a foster care agency which contracted with the Department of Children and Families unintentionally misspent more than $400,000 in state funds.

The report, however, found there were no intentional fraudulent misuse of funds by the Miami based Our Kids Inc.

DCF began privatizing foster care statewide nearly a decade ago in the wake of several high profile child deaths and has struggled to evolve in its role from running the program to overseeing its private contractors.

The investigation also underscores a broader problem of vague contracts between the department and its contractors, including policies on procurement and bonuses.

Two former employees came forward alleging Our Kids awarded contracts to friends of its CEO. The investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing in the bulk of the allegations.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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