The Baltimore County Department of Social Services (DSS) has achieved reaccreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA), reaffirming the department’s compliance
with nationally recognized standards for service delivery, organizational management, and accountability.
Baltimore County DSS has maintained continuous accreditation since first earning the designation in 1976. The reaccreditation process takes place every four years and includes an extensive review of administration, operations, workforce practices, and service delivery standards.
Notably, Baltimore County DSS is one of only seven accredited local social services departments in Maryland.
For counties, accreditation efforts like this highlight the operational complexity behind delivering local human services programs while maintaining accountability standards tied to public resources, workforce support, and service outcomes.
The Council on Accreditation evaluates organizations against standards designed to ensure services are coordinated, culturally responsive, evidence-based, and outcome-oriented. The review process also examines organizational oversight, management practices, and continuous improvement systems.
From the county press release:
“Being reaccredited demonstrates to our residents, funders, community partners, and the people we serve that Baltimore County DSS delivers services with integrity, accountability, and professionalism,” Baltimore County Department of Social Services Director Mark Millspaugh said.
According to the County, the review process included thousands of pages of documentation, case evaluations, interviews with staff and community partners, and an on-site assessment. Baltimore County DSS received passing ratings across all 105 reviewed standards, including all fundamental practice standards.
The department administers programs serving some of the county’s most vulnerable residents, including child welfare and foster care services, SNAP benefits, and services supporting older adults and vulnerable populations.
