Local Children's Division completes accreditation

JEFFERSON CITY-- The 33rd Circuit Mississippi and Scott counties Children's Division received accreditation after completing a rigorous inspection process.

The accreditation came after the 33rd Circuit Children's Division underwent site visits this past spring in line with legislation passed in 2004 calling for the Children's Division receiving accreditation statewide by the end of the fiscal year 2009. Accreditation enables the division to provide higher quality services, boost worker morale, enhance consumer confidence, increase professionalism and standardize caseloads, officials said.

As part of the announcement, Sen. Jason Crowell made a presentation to the staff of a framed resolution.

"Reaching this milestone would not have been possible if it weren't for the dedication and hard work of the children's division staff," Crowell said. "I congratulate them for being recognized as a sound administrative agency so the division can continue to provide quality child-welfare services to the people of the great state of Missouri."

The 33rd Circuit Children's Division serves Mississippi and Scott counties.