The survey process includes contact with clients, referral sources and other community stakeholders as well as intensive interviews with staff. The Survey Summary states: Family & Children's Services. Inc. (FCS) has strengths in the following areas:
- There is strength in the organization's commitment and dedicaion to helping men, women, and children build better lives. Clients and other community stakeholders view staff members as strong advocates for quality recovery services and FCS as the "go-to-provider if you want quality and caring." FCS takes pride in its long-term partnering arrangements with the courts, United Way, and a variety of other human service organizations in Allen County and the surrounding area.
- The management team is very inclusive of all staff members in the development and implementation of organizational policy changes. Clear and consistent communication has contributed to the loyalty and longevity of the staff group.
- Funders, referral sources, and other stakeholders report that FCS is a valuable community asset for outpatient behavioral health services delivered to individuals and families in a seamless system of care. Staff members know their community and work hard to maintain strong relationships with their clients and community resources. FCS employs skilled clinicians, has a strong sense of teamwork, routinely surveys employees' opinions, and provides excellent administrative and clinical supervision.
- The organization has a strong commitment to the ongoing education of its workforce. The work environment is clean and safe and conducive to recovery. There are ample clinical and play areas for children. The organization is held in high regard as a field placement site for colleges and universities. Several current staff members started with FCS as student volunteers or interns. There is a sense that the daily contributions of clients and staff members are celebrated and truly valued at all levels of the organization. The "familylike" atmosphere of the treatment setting and strong ethical and advocacy stance of employees contribute to the positive reputation of FCS.
- Based on input from persons served, they are very pleased with the services that they receive. Clients report that FCS is responsive to their specific needs.
- The organization has a strong quality management program that reviews organizational data, sets specific performance goals, and monitors organizational performance against those goals.
- There is strength in the organization's willingness to continuously examine new funding options and to increase awareness and enhance relationships with current donors. The whole team works together to find ways to continue to provide quality services under challenging economic conditions. As was stated by one external stakeholder, "trust and loyalty of the FCS workforce contribute to the long-term delivery of quality care."

In the following area Family & Children's Services demonstrates exemplary conformance to the standards:
- FCS excels at collecting, analyzing, and using client, employee, and referral satisfaction data to enhance program development, performance improvement, and strategic planning. Organizational advocacy and financial and resource planning are improved because of the responsiveness and communication style of FCS employees at all levels. Clients, funders, and referral sources report that FCS values their input and responsiveness to feedback. Approximately 84 percent of the clients served in the substance abuse and sexual offender programs are court ordered for treatment. Remarkably, these same clients are included in the ongoing client satisfaction survey group that rates their satisfaction with FCS services at 95 percent. According to one long-term referral partner, "We know they take the time to get to know the clients and they care deeply about their outcomes. They have a longstanding reputation for quality."

Family & Children's Services, Inc., has earned a Three-Year Accreditation. The executive director/CEO, board of directors, and staff members are congratulated for this accomplishment and are encouraged to continue to use the CARF standards as guidelines for continuous quality improvment.

It is with great pleasure that we can announce this achievement. International accreditation is "an indication of our dedication and committment to improving the quality of the lives of persons served. Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of practice excellence."

Only through the dedication of our staff and their willingness to provide such high quality services are we able to be recognized in this manner.