Evidence that the HHS-OIG Fails to Conduct Independent and Objective Audits and Investigations of Title IV-D Agencies

Doug Dante

29 October 2012

I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice.

As part of the recent discussions regarding evidence of illicit and potentially criminal activities at the

Michigan Friend of the Court, and other federally contracted State Title IV-D agencies, some parents

suggested that we contact the Federal Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

Please be aware that I have been in contact with the HHS-OIG for over one year, from August 2011,

and they have steadfastly declined all requests for investigation.

Sadly, the HHS-OIG, at least in their communications with me, repeatedly offered assurances “

The

information you have provided will be thoroughly reviewed and OIG Hotline Operations will

determine the most appropriate course of action” (August 30, 2011)

, and “

We are reviewing it and will

take appropriate action” (January 22, 2012),

and it took them 8 months to say “We are declining to

conduct such an investigation” (April 12, 2012). It seems that a less persistent person might get the

mistaken impression that the terms “thorough review” or “appropriate action” might mean the HHS-

OIG would