WILMINGTON, DE – Since 1884, Children & Families First has been providing services to Delawareans in need, with a focus on delivering effective, high-quality programs. 

Children & Families First recently participated in the re-accreditation process through the Council on Accreditation (COA).  Because of its focus on quality, Children & Families First has been reaccredited for the upcoming four-year period.  COA is committed to maintaining the highest level of standards and quality improvement, in order to identify providers that have set high performance standards for themselves and have made a commitment to their constituents to deliver the highest quality services.  With its reaccreditation, COA has recognized Children & Families First as one of these outstanding providers. According to COA:  “Because COA reviews and reaccredits the entire organization, not just specific programs, you can have confidence in the credibility, integrity and achievement of the entire organization. COA congratulates Children & Families First for their hard work and wonderful achievement and is proud to have it as part of COA’s Community of Excellence.”

COA reaccreditation is an objective and reliable verification that provides confidence and support to an organization’s service recipients, board members, staff and community partners. The COA reaccreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of both an organization’s administrative operations and its service delivery practices.  All are “measured” against national standards of best practice. These standards emphasize services that are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidence based, and outcomes-oriented. In addition, they confirm that the services are provided by a skilled and supported workforce and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Children & Families First’s CEO, Leslie Newman, says:  “COA Accreditation is like a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.  It affirms Children & Families First’s commitment to delivering services of the highest quality with respect for the needs of the people we serve.”