Family & Children’s Services (FCS) has achieved national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA). COA accreditation involved a review and analysis of administration, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practices. FCS was praised for its high quality delivery of innovative, evidence-based programs and integrity of services and administrative practices.
Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance.
The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administration, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. The standards driving accreditation ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce. COA accreditation demonstrates accountability in the management of resources, sets standardized best practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.
To achieve COA accreditation, FCS first provided written evidence of compliance with the COA standards. Thereafter, a group of specially trained volunteer Peer Reviewers confirmed adherence to these standards during a series of on-site interviews with trustees, staff and clients.
