Local programs that support victims of domestic violence will continue to receive funding while the state reviews the findings of an audit of a nonprofit that administers the money.

An audit released last week questioned $680,564 in costs over two years at the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence; the nonprofit said the audit’s findings are without merit and the money went to allowed costs to aid domestic violence victims.

The coalition gets about 90 percent of its funds from the state Department of Human Services. It distributes money to a statewide network of 60 community-based domestic violence programs.

The Department of Human Services said it was still reviewing the audit’s findings and recommendations. 

“Throughout the duration of our review, we will continue to allow funds to flow to the sub grantees at the local level who provide services and support to domestic violence victims,” Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas said in a statement Monday.

The department did not say how long the review might take. A new fiscal year for the state begins July 1. 

Among the audit’s recommendations were that the state “consider the most appropriate method for continuing to distribute these grants,” and that PCADV improve a number of internal accounting controls.

The group’s executive director, Peg Dierkers, said in a statement Monday that the organization takes the audit seriously and “we continue to work collaboratively with DHS officials to resolve the outstanding issues.’’

Kate Giammarise: kgiammarise@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3909 or on Twitter @KateGiammarise.

First Published: April 26, 2016, 4:23 a.m.