Two local women have received probation after pleading guilty to defrauding the state's Child Care Assistance program.

Althea Augustine, 38, of New Iberia, was sentenced to five years of supervised probation, a fine of $250 and court costs.

Augustine was also ordered to repay $19,938 to the state Department of Social Services' Office of Family Support.

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Augustine pleaded guilty in New Iberia June 16 to illegally obtaining nearly $20,000 in childcare assistance benefits during a four-year period.

Raymond Pease, director of the OFS Fraud and Recovery Section, said Augustine concealed the fact she was living with the father of her children.

The father's income should have been considered in determining her eligibility for the program, he said.

In a separate case, Claressa Goings, 23, of St. Martinville, was sentenced to six months in the parish jail, which was suspended, and one year of supervised probation. Goings was also ordered to pay a $250 fine, court costs and $1,530 to the Office of Family Support.

Goings pleaded guilty in Lafayette June 22 to illegally obtaining $1,530 in childcare assistance benefits in July and August of 2004.

Pease said Goings claimed to have provided childcare services for her sister while her sister worked. The agency later learned Goings' sister was unemployed.

The Child Care Assistance program is designed to help low-income families pay for childcare while they work or attend school.

Pease said residents can report cases of suspected fraud of the program by calling the Department of Social Services at 1-800-256-3150.