Senate Approves Bill to Require Accreditation of DCYF Employees
Thursday, April 29, 2010
STATE HOUSE - The Senate has approved legislation that will require the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families to undertake an accreditation process with the Council on Accreditation (COA).
"The standards set by the COA are nationally recognized as best practices for protecting and providing services for abused and neglected children." said Sen. Beatrice A. Lanzi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston), sponsor of the bill. "It is our goal in this state to make sure we achieve and even exceed these standards within DCYF."
The legislation directs the DCYF to initiate the COA accreditation process by July 1, 2011, and submit an accreditation plan to the governor, General Assembly leaders and the chairs of various legislative committees by July 1, 2012.
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Co-sponsors of the Lanzi bill are Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton) and Sen. Paul V. Jabour (D-Dist. 5, Providence). The Senate bill, 2010-S 2346, now goes to the House for consideration. Identical legislation has been submitted in the House by Rep. Eileen S. Naughton (D-Dist. 21, Warwick). That bill, 2010-H 7133, is currently before the House Committee on Finance.
The international, independent Council on Accreditation (COA) partners with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying and promoting accreditation standards.