Department of Education Criminal Background Checks Performance Audit for 2014-2019

What Was Performed? A performance audit of the Department of Education’s (DOE’s) compliance with conducting criminal background checks for covered employees for calendar years January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2019. WhyThis Engagement? This engagement was conducted in accordance with 29 Del. C. § 2906 and evaluated DOE’s compliance with state laws and regulations regarding criminal background checks required for all employees. Our performance audit had two objectives: (1) Determine if DOE complied with state laws and regulations for criminal background checks on all required employees, and (2) Assess the DOE’s internal controls and determine if the controls have been properly employed. This report is intended to assist DOE’s management with recommendations to improve procedures, processes and internal controls as necessary. What Was Found? We found the DOE could strengthen its internal controls in several ways, including by improving documentation to ensure the following: (1) employees are cleared, certified and suitable for their positions in accordance with state laws and regulations, and (2) employee files contain the requisite documentation to provide evidence of DOE’s compliance with relevant state laws, regulations and policies. The report contains several recommendations for improvement, which we encourage DOE’s management to consider implementing. These recommendations were developed based on evaluation of audit evidence obtained for DOE, and they are designed to help keep schoolchildren safer by improving internal controls related to certifying the criminal background check processes. The Department of Education Criminal Background Checks Performance Audit for 2014 through 2019 can be found on our website. Please do not reply to this email. For any questions regarding the attached report, p