MELBOURNE, FL – June 11, 2013 – Brevard Family Partnership, Brevard County’s lead agency for child welfare received notice from the Council on Accreditation that it had been reaccredited. COA accreditation is a national, objective, independent, and reliable validation of an organization’s performance. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review of an organization’s administrative, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. Accreditation encourages services that are appropriate, coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, and that are provided by a skilled and supported workforce.

The agency’s reaccreditation was expedited as a result of not receiving any out-of-compliance ratings in any of the fundamental practice standards. Because COA reviews and accredits the entire organization, BFP’s board of directors, staff, consumers, and all other stakeholders can have confidence in the credibility, integrity, and achievement of the organization.

Benefits to the Brevard community being served include a validation that high quality services are being delivered, guarantees that sound financial practices are in place and utilized, and confirms the agency’s efficient operation. It also ensures that an organization’s staff is appropriately trained and prepared to meet all of its client’s needs, requires that services are provided in a safe and respectful environment, and supports positive outcomes for children and families.

“COA’s program of quality improvement is designed to identify providers that have met high performance standards and have made a commitment to their stakeholders to deliver the very best quality services,” said COA president and CEO, Richard Klarber. “COA is proud to recognize Brevard Family Partnership as one of these outstanding providers, and we wish them the very best in their continuing work with children and families.”

To achieve COA accreditation, BFP had to provide written evidence of compliance with the applicable standards. Thereafter, a group of specially trained volunteer site reviewers confirmed adherence to these standards during a series of on-site interviews with the organization’s board members and staff, partners and providers, and clients. Based on their findings, COA’s Accreditation Commission determined the organization had successfully met the criteria for accreditation.

BFP was first accredited by COA in 2009 and received the same, expedited approval in its initial application. The agency must reapply every four years to maintain its accredited status.