Audit Gives Job Training Program Good Marks

An new management audit of Los Angeles’ $37-million federally funded job training program has given the effort generally good marks, although several shortcomings were found.

The audit, released Monday, is one in a series that stemmed from allegations that poverty grants were issued improperly to organizations headed by Bishop H.H. Brookins, a former Los Angeles church leader and community activist.

The Community Development Department’s job training program, which pays employers to give on-the-job training to needy residents, exceeded state and federal standards and has received millions of dollars in bonuses, the audit found. But the program has suffered from poor monitoring of contractors and requires stronger direction from the appointed board that oversees the program, auditors found. Mayor Tom Bradley, who requested the audit, said he was pleased by the findings and would push for a series of recommended changes.