TOWSON — The Baltimore County Department of Social Services has achieved reaccreditation by Social Current’s Council on Accreditation (COA), reaffirming the Department’s commitment to meeting nationally recognized standards for service delivery, accountability, and organizational performance.
 
Baltimore County Department of Social Services has maintained continuous COA accreditation since first earning the designation in 1976. The reaccreditation process occurs every four years and includes a comprehensive review of an organization’s administration, management, and service delivery practices against international best-practice standards. Currently, Baltimore County DSS is one of only seven accredited social services departments in Maryland.
 
“Accreditation is an extremely rigorous process that helps ensure organizations adhere to standards that drive continuous improvement in service delivery,” said Mark Millspaugh, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Social Services. “Being reaccredited demonstrates to our residents, funders, community partners, and the people we serve that Baltimore County DSS delivers services with integrity, accountability, and professionalism.”
 
The standards driving accreditation are designed to ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcome-oriented, and delivered by a skilled and supported workforce. COA reaccreditation also demonstrates accountability in the management of public resources while creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.
 
“This reaccreditation reflects Baltimore County’s continued commitment to serving residents with compassion, professionalism, and accountability,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “The Department of Social Services provides critical support to children, families, older adults, and vulnerable residents every day, and this achievement demonstrates that Baltimore County is meeting the highest standards in delivering those essential services.”
 
The extensive review process included thousands of pages of self-study documentation, an on-site review, case record evaluations, and interviews with staff, clients, and community partners. “Not only did Baltimore County DSS achieve reaccreditation,” said Millspaugh, “we achieved passing ratings in all 105 standards reviewed, including every fundamental practice standard.”
 
The Baltimore County Department of Social Services administers and oversees programs that directly impact some of the County’s most vulnerable residents, including child welfare and foster care services, SNAP benefits, and services for older adults and vulnerable populations.
 
“Reaccreditation helps ensure these critical services are delivered effectively, responsibly, and in accordance with nationally recognized best practices,” said Millspaugh. “Our ultimate goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes for the children, adults, and families we serve every day.”