Although procedures for handling these fraud cases vary among agencies, the basic treatment and disposition should be consistent statewide. The handbook is intended to be used in conjunction with the Ohio Public Assistance Manual and the Food Stamp Certification Handbook. Objectives of fraud investigations are to ensure correct public assistance benefits are received only by eligible individuals, to recover tax dollars obtained by clients through fraudulent activities, and to deter future occurrences of fraud within public assistance programs. The handbook covers roles and responsibilities of the Ohio Department of Human Services, county human service departments, and fraud investigators. In addition, handbook topics include referral procedures, investigative techniques, interview and interrogation, stages in fraud investigations, referrals to county prosecutors, and the judicial process.