A respected national accreditation organization is praising the work of Advocates for Children after an extensive survey process. Social Currents Council on Accreditation studied all programming at Advocates and the new report revealed a flawless review.

The four-year accreditation follows a 2020 favorable review, and cites excellent record keeping and training, supportive supervisors, knowledgeable leadership and engaging educators. “The organization is an asset to the community,” the report states, “and provides specialized training when needed to meet regulatory and best practices.”

According to Amanda Tant, Advocate’s Chief Program Officer, the staff works tirelessly to maintain high standards and provide compassionate expertise. She said the team members were particularly grateful to be told that every survey form was positive when interviewing clients, donors, community leaders, board members, volunteers and others.

“Advocates for Children is laser focused on best practice goals for the benefit of our clients. In addition, it’s important for our donors who invest in this important work to know their support is being used wisely and accomplishing significant goals. An important element in sustaining community trust is always tied to attaining the highest level,” said Tant.

She explained that the in-depth, objective review covered all program areas, including youth independent housing, the Child Advocacy Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), child and family development, runaway and homeless youth, Safe Place, the children’s shelter, juvenile justice case management and Family Resource Centers.

She said each of program develops and monitors a comprehensive plan that includes strategy, plan of action, targeted results, expansion goals, wise budgeting management, staff development, effective human resource practices, internal and external controls and risk prevention.

“PQI (Performance and Quality Improvement) has become a real strength of the organization,” the national evaluation stated. This valued process assesses and improves service and program performance and helps organizations make data-informed decisions to support goals.

“We closely watch the data and trends in our organization and the nonprofit field that focuses on our same services. We want to be a leader in every area so more children, youth, young adults and families can sustain a healthy and stable lifestyle,” Tant said.

“Changing lives is the ultimate goal. We are so encouraged by the thousands of people who have benefited from Advocates for Children over our long history.”