Ohio gives agency top marks during evaluation

By Carl Hunnell

In 2008, Richland County Children Services was re-accredited for another five-year period by the national Council on Accreditation, which did a comprehensive examination of the agency's administrative operations and its service delivery practices.

The agency is just one of just 22 public agencies in the State of Ohio accredited by the COA.

In 2009, RCCS was praised by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, which conducted its child protection oversight and evaluation of the agency's work. ODJFS focuses on reviewing federal outcome measures and on reviewing the agency's case record compliance rates.

When the thorough review was complete, RCCS was one of just three county child protective agencies in Ohio that was not ordered to conduct a formal quality improvement plan.

"This speaks to the high standards we have in place each day to serve children and families and to keep kids safe," said Marsha Coleman, the agency's clinical director.

The ODJFS report said, "The time and effort put forth in this process by your administration and staff are truly appreciated and we congratulate you for your exceptional performance in the review."