Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services said Friday it has received no official notice of any interruption to child care payments, despite national reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has frozen child care center payments to states amid fraud allegations in Minnesota.
In a statement released Jan. 2, DPHSS said its Division of Children’s Wellness and Bureau of Child Care Services became aware of the reports but confirmed no such directive has been issued affecting Guam.
“DPHSS recognizes the potential impact caused by the allegations in Minnesota could have on local programs,” the department said. “DPHSS is confident that our internal processes follow all protocols.”
The agency said compliance and program integrity remain top priorities and that it will continue working closely with federal partners while maintaining transparency with the island’s child care community.
DPHSS acknowledged the “care, professionalism, and patience” of local child care providers and said it remains committed to promoting the health, safety and welfare of Guam’s residents.
Providers or families seeking assistance were encouraged to contact the Bureau of Child Care Services, located at the Terlaje Building on Hernan Cortez Avenue in Hagåtña, or visit www.guamchildcare.com. Inquiries can also be made by phone at (671) 969-7259 or by email at guamchildcare@dphss.guam.gov.