CORE-844
RECORDKEEPING & CLAIMS
PROGRAM RED FLAGS
INTRODUCTION
Program “red flags” are indicators that possible non-compliance is occurring.
Sponsoring organization staff should look out for red flags in their review of recordkeeping and claims.
Red flags are not always a sign of non-compliance or fraud. But they ARE an indicator that further investigation or examination is needed.
When looking out for red flags, look for these:
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Meal counts show more participants than are normally in attendance
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Inflated meal counts, for example meal counts exceed enrollment and/or attendance
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Irregular meal count patterns for example, having the exact same number of counts for each meal
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Use of correction fluid to correct information, for example correction fluid is used to change program information to benefit the facility
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Meals documented on days that the facility was closed, such as holidays or inclement weather days
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Missing signatures, for example the facility completes documentation for parents and signs for the parent
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Unallowable items charged to the CACFP, for example soda or coffee (sponsored centers only)
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Missing or incomplete records, records to support meal counts not maintained