State auditor commends Trumbull CSB

WARREN -- State Auditor Betty Montgomery told the staff of Trumbull County Children Services at a luncheon Wednesday that the agency's work gives "voice to the voiceless."
Montgomery, along with numerous local elected officials, appeared at the banquet celebrating the agency's re-accreditation by the Council on Accreditation. She was also to speak at a 35th anniversary celebration for Big Brothers & amp; Big Sisters of the Mahoning Valley Wednesday evening.
"You are a voice for children, you are advocates," Montgomery told CSB staff. "You are the only part of the system that can hug the kids."
Accreditation by the COA is not required of public agencies. Only nine public children services agencies in Ohio have the accreditation, officials said. This is the eighth time CSB has been re-accredited by the group.
"It is hard, and when you earn it you deserve it," Montgomery said.
Getting accreditation is a yearlong process and includes visits to the agency and review of paperwork. The agency was judged to be full or substantial compliance in 812 out of 820 standards.
"There is a reason an agency goes out to get accreditation," said state Sen. Marc Dann, D-32nd. "You just made a commitment to a level of professionalism."
CSB board president Daniel Letson said the board credited its staff. "It is our feeling our staff deserved it," Letson said. "We work very hard and, God willing, provide a safe home for every child in the county who needs it."