D S S   P R E S S   R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release:
August 7, 2008

Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407

Media Advisory

Children's Division Celebrates 5^th Circuit;
Office Meets National Accreditation Standards

St. Joseph — The Missouri Department of Social Services' (DSS) Children's Division (CD) is in the process of achieving national accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA). In order to receive this honor, each of the states’ 45 Circuit offices must be found in compliance with COA accreditation standards. The 5^th Circuit was the latest circuit to have met COA standards. CD is taking the opportunity to honor the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of the 5^th Circuit employees and to congratulate them on their achievement.

Who:

• Paula Neese, Director, Children's Division
• James Harrison, Deputy Director, Children's Division
• Linda Miller, Accreditation and Quality Improvement Unit Manager, Children's Division

What:

News Conference Announcing 5^th Circuit Met COA Standards

When:

Friday, August 8, 2008; 11:00 a.m.

Where:

State Office Building
Rooms 101, 102 and 103
525 Jules
St. Joseph, MO