11/20/06 Family Service of Rhode Island Re-Accredited Family Service of Rhode Island has been re-accredited by the Council On Accreditation (COA), an international, independent not-for-profit accrediting body. “In our letter of notification we were extremely pleased to learn that we did not receive any ‘out of compliance ratings,’” said Family Service of Rhode Island CEO Margaret Holland McDuff.  “As a rule, COA will issue a list of areas for improvement or correction which must be addressed first.  In our case, COA found no need for improvement or correction.”  COA representatives made a site visit in early October.  Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI) is a non-profit human service and educational organization serving all of Rhode Island.  In addition to its main offices and treatment locations in Providence, it has treatment space in North Kingstown, Westerly and Newport and group homes for children in East Providence, Bristol, Smithfield and North Smithfield.  FSRI has been accredited by COA for decades.  Re-accreditation takes place every four years. The COA accreditation process involves an in-depth examination of the organization’s compliance with best practice standards.  The process includes a review of organizational standards including human resources, financial management, and a full array of child, family and behavioral healthcare services such as mental health and substance abuse treatment. For more information: www.familyserviceri.org; www.coanet.org. (end)