Trouble at DHS LANSING (MPRN) -

A newly released audit finds the Michigan Department of Human Services needs to do a better job of making sure its clients are properly receiving federal assistance.

The report from the state's financial watchdog says the department has no way of ensuring that clients are really eligible for federal cash assistance or childcare payments.

That puts Michigan at risk for more federal sanctions. Previous audits found problems with how the department was deciding who should receive assistance.

The audit also found that the department should have used errors found in food stamp eligibility to find possible mistakes in other areas.

There are also issues with making sure caseworkers are properly trained to catch the mistakes.

D-H-S officials agreed with most of the audit's findings. They blame a lack of funding for many of the problems. They say a new computer program - which is under scrutiny for delays and cost overruns - will address many of them. © Copyright 2012, MPRN