PHOENIX (Aug. 16, 2012) – The Council on Accreditation (COA) recently completed a rigorous review of Catholic Charities Community Services and awarded the agency a 4-year reaccreditation for its quality service delivery and administrative practices.

“It is a tribute to Catholic Charities’ connectedness with the community that they are able to draw upon all the resources and advocate strongly on the client’s behalf,” said Joyce Goldstein, COA reviewer. “Clients report they feel a sense of family and empowerment.”

COA accreditation involves a detailed review and analysis of an agency’s operations and service delivery, including client and staff interviews, record reviews and site visits. All are measured against national standards of best practice. These standards emphasize that services are accessible, appropriate, culturally responsive, evidence-based and outcomes oriented. In addition, they confirm that services are provided by a skilled and supportive workforce who treat all individuals with dignity and respect.

“COA accreditation attests that our organization meets the highest national standard of best practices and provides assurance to all of our stakeholders that Catholic Charities Community Services is delivering the highest quality of service in a way that respects the dignity and individuality of those who come to us for help,” said Bob Brown, president and CEO of Catholic Charities.

A panel comprised of six experts in their field of social work conducted a 4-day review of Catholic Charities service delivery and administrative practices, including site visits and client interview at the agency’s offices in Phoenix, Cottonwood and Prescott.  The agency serves Central and Northern Arizona and also has offices in Flagstaff, Ariz. Its mission is to help the community’s most vulnerable with solutions that permanently improve lives. Programs include pregnancy counseling, adoption, foster care, homeless outreach and shelter, housing, refugee and immigration assistance, domestic violence shelter and assistance, youth development, counseling and family support services.