Bloom Our Youth Achieves National Accreditation

by | Nov 11, 2021 | Foster Care, Member Update

ANNOUNCEMENT

Bloom Our Youth Achieves National Accreditation

Atlanta, GA—Bloom Our Youth, Inc. (d.b.a. Bloom) has achieved national accreditation through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA). Founded in 1986, Bloom is a leading provider of foster care services in metro Atlanta. Bloom’s programs include: foster parenting, training and support for families, and The Bloom Closet, which supplies free clothing and essentials to 4,500 foster children annually. Organizations pursue COA
accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA evaluated all aspects of Bloom’s programs, services, management, and administration. Based on their findings, COA’s volunteer-based Accreditation Commission voted that Bloom had successfully met the criteria for accreditation.

"We are so proud of our team for this amazing accomplishment," comments Becky Davenport, Bloom President and CEO. "COA accreditation means that our organization’s programs, services, administration, and management have been rigorously evaluated and meet best practice standards."

COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization’s administration, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. The standards driving accreditation ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce. COA accreditation demonstrates accountability in the management of resources, sets standardized best practice thresholds for service and administration, and increases organizational capacity and accountability by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement.

To achieve COA accreditation, Bloom first provided written evidence of compliance with the COA standards. Thereafter, a group of specially trained volunteer Peer Reviewers confirmed adherence to these standards during a series of on-site interviews with trustees, staff and clients.

An endorsement of COA and the value of its accreditation process is reflected in it being named by the US State Department as the sole national independent accrediting body under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption to accredit intercountry adoption service providers. In addition, COA is the only national accreditor designated by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop accreditation standards and processes for human service programs provided to military personnel and their families.

About Bloom Our Youth:

Founded in 1986, Bloom Our Youth is a nonprofit organization that offers safe refuge and supportive services for foster children in Georgia. Bloom cares for foster children using a three-pronged approach: a foster parenting program, a foster parent training program called Bloom University, and a cost-free clothing boutique for foster children, called The Bloom Closet. Through these initiatives, Bloom serves more than 4,500 foster children per year from 90 Georgia counties. For more information about Bloom, please visit www.bloomouryouth.org or call 770-460-6652.

About Council on Accreditation:

Founded in 1977, COA is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of the full continuum of community-based behavioral health care and social service organizations in the United States and Canada. Over 2,000 organizations — voluntary, public, and proprietary; local and statewide; large and small — have either successfully achieved COA accreditation or are currently engaged in the process. Presently, COA has a total of 47 service standards that are applicable to over 125 different types of programs. To learn more about COA, please visit www.coanet.org.

Devereux’s Gwen Skinner named one of the CWLA’s ‘100 Champions for Children’

by | Mar 5, 2021 | Member Update

ANNOUNCEMENT

Devereux’s Gwen Skinner named one of the CWLA’s ‘100 Champions for Children’

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Vice President of Operations Gwen Skinner was recently selected as one of the Child Welfare League of America’s (CWLA) “100 Champions for Children.”

The CWLA, the oldest child welfare organization in the U.S., celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020 and honored 100 individuals and organizations for their efforts to promote child well-being and advance the field of child welfare.

Skinner was named a “champion” as a result of her 30-plus years of behavioral healthcare experience.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition because I know so many professionals in the fields of child welfare and behavioral health who are worthy of this award,” Skinner said. “I highly respect the CWLA and its efforts to improve the lives of millions of children across the country. In addition, I am grateful to work for Devereux, a mission-driven organization that gives me the support, opportunities and resources I need to do the work I love.”

A personal mission to support youth

As vice president of operations, Skinner is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations – including all programs and services – at Devereux’s Georgia, Florida and Texas centers.

In addition to her many professional contributions, Skinner has made it her personal mission to support children and adolescents in need.

In 1990, she formed the Villa Rica Civic Association, a volunteer organization that for many years worked with local governments, law enforcement agencies, schools, churches and businesses to provide food and toys to up to 500 children annually.

Also, Skinner and her husband have provided a safe, loving and nurturing home to more than 40 foster children.

“I am blessed in a variety of ways – sharing those blessings is the right thing to do,” Skinner explained. “Many children placed in foster care have experienced some form of trauma. Providing the care, stability and attention they need can alter the entire course of their lives. The most rewarding part of having served as a foster parent has been the positive impact fostering has had on my own family.”

About the CWLA

The CWLA, a coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies, is committed to creating and advancing standards of practice, advocacy and information sharing to enhance the well-being of children and families.

Since 1920, the CWLA has worked to support youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, family disruption or other factors that jeopardize their health or safety. The vision of the CWLA is that every child will grow up in a safe, loving and stable family.

Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.