Somerset County Youth Services Receives Reaccreditation

The Somerset County Office of Youth Services has been reaccredited for the fourth time by the Council on Accreditation.

Reviews are conducted by the Council on Accreditation (COA) every four years, according to Somerset County officials.

“This is well-deserved recognition for a highly professional county division and its 18 employees,” Somerset County Freeholder Brian D. Levine, human services liaison, said in a release. “It is another instance of Somerset County being proactive to ensure we give the best service to our residents.” He noted that the COA reviews and reaccredits the entire organization, not just specific programs, “so the reaccreditation speaks to the credibility, integrity and achievement of the entire county Office of Youth Services.”

The Youth Services Office offers numerous programs, of which were reviewed and included in the reaccreditation from the COA include the Family Crisis Intervention Unit and Parents as Teachers, as well as the office’s affiliated planning bodies – the Youth Services Commission, Municipal Youth Services Commissions, County Interagency Coordinating Council and Commission on Child Abuse and Missing Children, according to the release from Somerset County.

The reaccreditation process includes an in-depth review and analysis of the office’s administrative operations and service delivery practices. These are then compared to national standards of best practice.

According to Somerset County, the national standards of best practice emphasize services that are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidence-based and outcomes-oriented.