Committed to the highest standards

Setting, meeting and attaining high service standards is a priority for Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS). The necessity of this commitment is made clear in the LCFS mission statement: "In response to God's love, Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois engages with youth, adults, families, communities and other stakeholders to improve the well-being of those we are called to serve."

In order to help ensure these high standards are maintained, LCFS regularly submits to third-party review in a process called reaccreditation. LCFS is proud to announce that it was recently reaccredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), which is a non-profit independent international accrediting body. It accredits some 2300 human service agencies serving more than 7 million people each year. The standards are rigorous and the process is exhaustive. The review process is composed of a self study, which involves a self examination of the various program and administrative standards that agencies are accredited under. Also included is an on-site visit by a team of COA-trained and -appointed reviewers.

COA President and CEO Richard Klarberg said, "We are very proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois. For so long and in so many ways, it has played a vital role in providing the highest quality services to the most vulnerable individuals and families in its community. The leadership, staff and board can take special satisfaction in the fact that accreditation was achieved with a 'perfect score'. Their having done so is not only a significant achievement, but reflects their deep commitment to their mission and to the wellbeing of their stakeholders."

In response, LCFS President and CEO Gene Svebakken noted, "We are accountable to those we serve, the congregations and individuals who support us and to ourselves. By undergoing reaccreditation every four years, we ensure that every aspect of what we do is held to the highest standard, helping ensure that the highest levels of service remain in place both today and in the future."

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois is a non-profit social ministry organization annually helping some 40,000 individuals statewide by nurturing and protecting children, empowering families and transforming communities through our programs and services. For more information on LCFS programs and services, visit www.lcfs.org or www.facebook.com/LCFSIL or call 800-363-LCFS.