HB 1249-S2 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Finds that accreditation of children's services by an independent entity can significantly improve the quality of services provided to children and families.  Accreditation involves an ongoing commitment to meeting nationally recognized standards of practice in child welfare and holds organizations accountable for achieving improved outcomes for children.

     Declares that accreditation is a structured process designed to facilitate organizational change and improvement within individual local offices.  Standards require improved case management, documentation, internal case management practices, and accountability.  Accreditation requires the establishment of clear communication with biological parents, foster and adoptive parents, providers, the courts, and members of the community.

     Directs the department to undertake the process of accreditation with the goal of completion by July 2006.  The department, in conjunction with a national independent accreditation entity, shall report to the appropriate legislative committees its progress towards complete accreditation on an annual basis, starting December 2001.