THE GRIFFON • Spring 2015 • 29 “The critical piece for Lt. Gen. Talley and Mrs. [Linda] Talley is the USARC creditors to be a part of the USARC accreditations because it validates Family Programs and how they serve Soldiers and Families. That is why Mrs. [Linda] Talley is here, along with OSD, to oversee the process and the way forward for the future of the Army Reserve Family and how they work their programs with Soldiers and Family,” Henderson explained. The Council on Accreditation partners with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying, and promoting accreditation standards. It envisions excellence in the delivery of human services globally, resulting in the well-being of individuals, Families, and communities. The Standards for Military Family Readiness Programs are divided into three parts: • Administration and Management Standards • Service Delivery Administration Standards • Service Standards Programs must demonstrate implementation of both the Administration and Management and the Service Delivery Administration Standards because they encompass aspects of operations that apply to all programs regardless of the services provided.Additionally, programs must demonstrate implementation of specific Service Standards that reflect the services it provides. The Council on Accreditation is an international, independent, nonprofit, human service accrediting organization. Founded in 1977 by the Child Welfare League of America and Family Service America (now the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities), their mission is to partner with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying, and promoting accreditation standards. The Council on Accreditation’s Military and Family Program Accreditation is the only accreditation process and standards that were developed in collaboration with the Department of Defense and consultation with military and other national human service experts and professionals to reflect the unique programming of military Family Programs “This accreditation is part of the regulation, Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI). By asking for accreditation from an outside dealer sends a message to Congress that we are serious about Family Programs serving the Soldier,” Howard said. The Council on Accreditation accredits more than 2,200 organizations and programs serving more than seven million
The 108th Training Command (IET) Army Reserve Family Programs was one of two units selected by USARC’s Council on Accreditation for the Family Programs Accreditation pilot program. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton, 108th Training Command (IET), Public Affairs
individuals and Families. Standards development is a continuous process that relies on an inclusive, consensus building methodology to ensure the standards remain relevant in an ever-changing field. The Family Programs is an important part of the military and it is obvious at the 108th Training Command (IET). “Maj. Gen. Purser sends a great message to the Soldiers and Families in this command. As you
walk through the door, you can see Family Programs. It is in a perfect location for the unit, instant accessibility, not hidden or out of site. Not all units do that. For me to walk right in and go to the Family Programs is phenomenal,” Linda Talley said. The 108th has a legacy of great support to our Families. “We proved that once again by being the first Family Program to
be accredited by an outside agency, and passing with flying colors. Of the 300 areas that were examined, we had only seven very minor adjustments to make. [Linda]Talley recognized the 108th at the recent USAR MSC two star huddle for this accomplishment and used us as an example for others to follow. Great work by our Family Programs team!” said Maj. Gen. Leslie Purser, 108th Training Command (IET) Commanding General.