Children's Services meets the highest national standards for excellence in its practices
Hillsborough County Children's Services has once again earned reaccreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA), marking 15 years of meeting national standards for high-quality care and services.
COA accreditation is a respected recognition in the field of human services. It involves a detailed review of an organization's practices, from how services are delivered to how the agency is managed. Reaccreditation shows that an organization continues to meet these high standards and is committed to ongoing improvement.
Children's Services received an expedited review for the second time in a row, a distinction given to agencies with no compliance issues in critical areas. Fewer steps in the process means fewer issues to resolve - an indicator of strong, consistent performance.
The department provides 24-hour residential respite and emergency shelter programs for children ages 10-17 who need safe shelter, structure, and support. Staff help youth build life skills, access education, and work toward family reunification or long-term stability. Children's Services also connects families to community-based services that help prevent problems before they become emergencies.
COA reaccreditation reinforces that these services are trusted, accountable, and guided by best practices - ensuring that children and families within Hillsborough County continue to receive compassionate, effective care.
To learn more about Hillsborough County Children's Services, visit HCFL.gov/Children.