August 20, 2020
Press Release
Lethbridge Family Services achieves COA Re-accreditation
Lethbridge, August 20, 2020: After many months of focused work submitting written evidence of compliance with an extensive body of exceptionally rigorous accreditation standards, Lethbridge Family Services has once again achieved national re-accreditation through the Council on Accreditation of Services for Children and Families (COA). Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services, and to demonstrate their accountability. COA evaluated all aspects of Lethbridge Family Service’s programs, services, management, administration, and governance, expediting the decision to award LFS this re-accreditation in light of outstanding compliance with every standard.
“We are so proud to be one of five organizations in Alberta who have achieved the prestigious COA accreditation,” says Sandra Mintz, CEO, Lethbridge Family Services., “and are equally proud of our Team LFS for their commitment to excellence, and this outstanding team accomplishment.”
COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an organization’s performance through a Peer Review process including a series of on-site interviews with Board members, employees, clients and stakeholders. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administration, management, governance, 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.
Founded in 1977, COA is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and social service organizations in the United States and Canada. Over 2,000 organizations — voluntary, public, and proprietary; local and federal; large and small — have either successfully achieved COA accreditation or are currently engaged in the process.
Lethbridge Family Services has been an integral part of our community since 1910 and for the past century, our organization has helped tens of thousands of Lethbridge citizens and their families improve their quality of life every year. Lethbridge Family Services is an essential advocate for the most vulnerable populations in this community. Our programming departments: DaCapo Disability Services; Counselling, Outreach & Education; Home Services; and Immigrant Services, provide indispensable services to those who need it most. LFS has established itself as a leader in the community for caring for our citizens, as a community-building institution and as an organization which believes in community collaboration.
Media Inquiries
Please Contact Michelle Gallucci, Director, Advancement & Communications
For contact with Sandra Mintz, CEO
(403) 915-8028
mgallucci@lfsfamily.ca
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