WA Had $37 Million in ‘Questionable Payments’ for Child Care in 2025, Audit Says

Audit questions $37M in child care payments in WA

Washington made an estimated $37 million in questionable child care payments over the course of a year using federal dollars, according to the state auditor’s office. A report the auditor released this week found weaknesses within the Department of Children, Youth and Families that contributed to frequent overpayments in the previous fiscal year. The audit

State audit estimates $37 million in 'questionable payments' by DCYF

WASHINGTON — The Office of the Washington State Auditor completes a yearly audit of federal funding across 28 programs within the state.

WA auditor flags overpayment for child care with federal funds

The Washington state auditor's office is questioning improper payments during 2024-25, highlighting a need for more accountability of DCYF work.

WA had $37 million in ‘questionable payments’ for child care in 2025, audit says

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Auditor’s Office on Monday announced that it had found weaknesses in the system the state uses to identify improper child-care subsidy payments. Read more...

Washington Paid Daycares First, Checked Papers Later: $37M in Questionable Payments Found After $416M Went Unaudited

An audit of Washington state's child care subsidy system revealed $37 million in questionable payments. Explore the oversight issues and proposed reforms to boost accountability and transparency.