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CDCAI Head Start Scandal: Nonprofit Accused of Misusing $1.2M in Federal Grants
LAFAYETTE, La.
— In a stunning revelation, local news outlet Grimy Times has uncovered a brazen case of financial corruption involving the Child Development Council of Acadiana Inc. (CDCAI), a non-profit organization responsible for operating 11 Head Start facilities in St. Landry Parish.
According to court documents, CDCAI constructed a central administration building in Opelousas for $1.2 million using federal grant money, without the approval of the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF). This egregious misuse of funds led to the organization’s contract not being renewed in 2015.
In a desperate attempt to regain control of the facilities, CDCAI began changing door locks at Head Start buildings in St. Landry Parish and demanded back rent from the Community Development Institute Head Start (CDI), which had been awarded the contract in 2015. The situation escalated to the point where a restraining order was filed in September 2017 by the U.S. Attorney to ensure CDI could regain access to the buildings.
As part of a settlement agreement, CDCAI has agreed to offset its interest in the Head Start properties to the ACF in exchange for CDCAI’s debt owed for the unapproved use of grant funds. The move is seen as a significant victory for the Administration for Children and Families, which had been seeking to hold CDCAI accountable for its actions.
“Providing early education and child development services to the community is central to the Head Start and Early Head Start programs,” stated U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prepared to seek legal action to ensure that the Administration for Children and Families is able to meet its mission.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen J. King and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the General Counsel handled the case.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Grimy Times will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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