Book Description

Various social welfare programs were created in the 1960s to aid a nation in need. Modern renditions of the original programs are jointly administered and funded by federal, state, and county governments. Many Americans take advantage of medical insurance and food assistance offered through these sources. Each state has rules and regulations for governing welfare eligibility. Fraud occurs when these rules and regulations are knowingly violated, causing funds to be distributed to those who would otherwise be ineligible. The Colorado Department of Human Services dictates that county social service departments investigate any allegations of program fraud. Investigations require a level of program knowledge coupled with a clear understanding of investigative techniques. In Jefferson County, Colorado, training has been historically conducted on a learn-as-you-go basis, with few written procedures in place. This professional project was initiated to produce an introductory training manual outlining investigative techniques useful in the resolution of welfare fraud investigations. A historical data review was conducted of fraud referrals submitted to the Fraud Investigative Unit within the agency, which determined the most prevalent types of fraud schemes utilized by recipients. In addition, an extensive literature review was completed focusing on best practice investigative techniques utilized by criminal justice and professional organizations that might be adaptable to welfare fraud investigation. The resulting manual is the culmination of this research.