Prince George’s County Boasts Largest Accredited Public Social Services Agency In Maryland

There will be an opportunity to ask specific questions on Monday, June 5, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at 805 Brightseat Road, Landover, Maryland.

LANDOVER---Prince George's County has been re-accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), making the Prince George's County Department of Social Services the largest accredited social service agency in the state of Maryland.

This is the second time in five years that the agency has achieved accreditation.  Such a distinction is based on COA's Version Seven accreditation standards, which are more stringent than the standards in place when the agency was originally accredited in Fall 2001.

"This accreditation shows that the county is committed to serving our citizens and residents by providing excellent service and is committed to ensuring livable communities," said County Executive Jack Johnson.

"The Department plays a vital role in making sure families in Prince George's County get the services they need and employees should be very proud that their hard work is being recognized as top notch," said Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. "I applaud this fine agency on its much deserved distinction."  

The accreditation recognizes that the agency has met the highest national performance standards with its programs and is delivering the best quality services to the community.
The agency is accredited through June 30, 2009. 

The year-long-accreditation process is the result of collaboration between the Department, stakeholders and the Faith-Based community. The COA process included a thorough self-study and on-site review by trained Peer Reviewers to assess quality child and family and administrative services that comply with nationally recognized standards of best practice. The Accreditation Commission determined the organization to be in compliance with all weighted standards and standards related to health and safety issues.

"Council on Accreditation is proud to once again welcome Prince George's County Department of Social Services to the Community of Excellence, that unique group of providers that meets the highest standards for professional performance," a representative of the COA said.

"This achievement is recognition of our on-going efforts at putting children first," said Christopher J. McCabe, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources.  "We are transforming child welfare in Maryland and the children and families we serve will be the beneficiaries." 

There are 12 public social services agencies in Maryland that are accredited, out of 24 in the state.