Press Release  Auditor Bump Commends Criterion Child Enrichment for Accountability and Efficiency

Boston — State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump today released the results of a performance audit of Criterion Child Enrichment Inc. (CCEI), which found that CCEI has in place financial management policies that are effective, and ensure the proper accountability of public funds. It was conducted as part of the Office of the State Auditor’s (OSA) ongoing efforts to audit human-service contracting activity by state agencies and promote greater accountability, transparency, and cost-effectiveness in government. Each year, Massachusetts agencies spend approximately $2.5 billion on contracts with human services providers like CCEI.

“The success of Massachusetts’ youngest learners is something we all have a stake in,” said Bump. “An examination of their internal workings shows that in addition to providing services to young people, Criterion is adhering to high standards of accountability and efficiency. With accurate and comprehensive accounting of expenditures, travel and other fees, they have shown residents of the Commonwealth that they are responsibly administering public funds.”

The audit explored the organization’s disclosure of expenditures, management, travel, and other professional fees, as well as CCEI’s compliance with state regulations related to reimbursement of these fees. It found that CCEI was compliant in all aspects.  

“We understand the trust placed in Criterion to make sure public funds are spent efficiently and in a manner that achieves the best possible outcomes for families and our staff works diligently to ensure that trust is justified,” said Dr. Robert F. Littleton, President and Founder of CCEI.

Criterion Child Enrichment, Inc. headquartered in Milford, provides various early childhood intervention, education, home visits and support services for kids and their families throughout the Commonwealth. It was incorporated in 1984 as a private not-for-profit human-service agency. During the audit period, from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, CCEI’s revenue was more than $21 million. This included: $10.6 million in publicly-funded client assistance; $4 million from Medicaid; $3.8 million from the Department of Public Health; and nearly $500,000 from the Department of Early Education and Care, and employed more than 200 people.

The Office of the State Auditor conducts technical assessments and performance audits of state government’s programs, departments, agencies, authorities, contracts, and vendors. With its reports, the OSA issues recommendations to improve accountability, efficiency, and transparency. The Office of the State Auditor has identified more than $1 billion in savings and potential recoveries for the Commonwealth since 2011 and auditees have indicated that they have implemented 95 percent of the OSA’s recommendations.

The Criterion Child Enrichment Inc. audit is available here.

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