Executive Director John Holtkamp

Only 20 of Ohio's public children's services agencies are accredited.

The process for accreditation requires a rigorous peer review process and to demonstate to a team of outside reviewers during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality. The reviewers survey dozens of community partners, interview agency clients, visit with foster/adoptive parents and go through thousands of pages of policy and of case files.

Logan County's effort was kicked into high gear in 2006 with the leadership of Jennifer Parnell and Shoan Nease at the Agency. Ms. Nease is a 30-plus year veteran with the agency and Ms. Parnell has been with the agency for 4 years. They worked long hours to ensure the agency would be able to meet expectations for accreditation. Two additional staff who also deserve credit for the energy and commitment are Vince Ciola and Melanie Engle- Vince for his efforts with Performance Quality Improvement and with Case Record Reviews and Melanie for her exceptional efforts with policy and with Strategic Planning.

On site visit began on March 30th when Ann Hibbert (from Texas) and Doris Mason (Maryland) arrived. Both Mason and Hibbert are veteran reviewers with extensive personal experience in Public Child Welfare. Their efforts took them into the evening on Sunday and their days began early over the next 3 days as they spoke with caseworkers, judges, law enforcement, school personnel, board members, attorneys, and foster/adoptive parents with the families that are served by the agency.

Review's included such comments as: "An area of exceptional strength for the agency was "Risk Prevention." There are numerous and frequent checks and balances within the system, both for case decision making and for woker safety."

On community partnership, Ms. Mason commented, "You should be very proud of receiving such good community reviews."

"This is an excellent agency. There are no concerns in regard to the leadership of the agency."  "You are all doing a great job."

The next step is having results sent to the headquarters for review.

Executive Director John Holtkamp noted that this review by a National Accreditation Organization, while not required, confirms the excellent work being done by the poeple who work for the agency and by the community partners who work with the agency to provide the best services possible to the family and children who need those services.

The final report should be received within 90 days.

For additional information you may contact Shoan Nease at 599-7290.