Category Archives: Worker and Family Assistance

Detecting Fraud in the Immigrant Investor Visa Program (podcast)

Foreign nationals who make substantial investments in projects that create or sustain U.S. jobs can get a conditional green card and a path to citizenship under the Immigrant Investor Program. Yet the program’s reliance on voluminous paper applications leaves it … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Where No Auditor Has Gone Before

It’s Star Trek’s 50th anniversary—it first took viewers “where no man has gone before” in 1966. Since then, the Enterprise and its sister ships have spent much of their time at warp speeds, saving planets and fending off hostile life … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Human Trafficking in the United States

Human trafficking— using force, fraud or coercion to exploit a person for the purposes of commercial sex or to work against their will—happens in the United States. But it’s not always easy to recognize the victims or understand the scope … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Avoiding a Washed-Up Flood Insurance Program

The floods devastating Louisiana will cause millions, if not billions, of dollars’ worth of damage. Homeowners who opted to purchase flood insurance coverage for their property may be able to rely on the National Flood Insurance Program for help. Today … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Answering the Calls of Veterans in Crisis (podcast)

Many servicemembers returning from Afghanistan, Iraq, and other deployments have struggled with mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse. The Department of Veterans affairs established the 24-hour Veterans Crisis Line in July 2007 to help veterans … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Using Money When You Can’t See It

How does someone who is visually impaired distinguish a $1 bill from a $5 or a $20? It’s nearly impossible—U.S. paper currency is all the same size, same general design, and has the same texture. But there’s also no simple … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Older Adults, Dementia, and Antipsychotic Drugs

About 15% of older adults have dementia. Some of them are prescribed antipsychotic drugs to help treat the symptoms of the disease. However, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved those drugs to treat dementia. May is Older Americans … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Family Connections and Children in Foster Care

More than 400,000 children are in foster care in the United States. Often, these children can’t stay with their parents because of abuse or neglect. Instead, they rely on state child welfare agencies to place them with families or provide … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , ,

Helping Government Help Small Businesses

National Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of American small business owners and entrepreneurs. On the WatchBlog, it’s a time to look at the Small Business Administration—the federal agency that is charged with providing many small businesses with resources and … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Addressing Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports Programs

Enrolling your child in a local soccer or other sports club is often a rite of passage, not to mention a great way for kids to meet friends and get some exercise. While many youth athletes have positive interactions with … Continue reading

Image | Posted on by | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,