WWU

Congratulations

It is with great pleasure and tremendous pride that I tell you that we have now received notification of  compliance on three more regions:  Mid Cumberland, Smoky Mountain and Shelby regions have been identified as being in compliance with  COA standards!!

The work you have done is nothing short of incredible and speaks volumes to your dedication and commitment to those children and families we serve. 

Viola P. Miller

Smoky Mountain Region Makes Us Proud

The folks in Smoky are all smiles and happy tears. Their COA peer review was outstanding. They had a long list of wonderful things to say. One of my favorites was the story of a post-custody youth. He reported with great pride that he is now in college. He gives all the credit to his caseworker. He said that she always listened to him worked with him and cared about him. He reported that now he believes that he can do anything he wants because his CM believed in him.

The reviewers were thrilled with the focus on outcomes, the use of data in decision making, our system of care reflected in the CFTM model, and the pervasive engagement in CQI.

They were all complimentary of the outstanding staff and leadership in Smoky.

It was a wonderful experience and I congratulate them.

I just hope that Carla has dried her tears by now!!!!

Viola P. Miller

Arm Yourself for H1N1 Flu

As flu season approaches, be sure to read this note from Tennessee's Health Commissioner Susan Cooper. Take the time to inform yourself -- for your benefit and for the families that we all serve.

Residents and visitors of Tennessee:

Undoubtedly, you have heard of confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu virus in our state. Most r ecently, the World Health Organization announced that it has raised the influenza pandemic alert level to Phase 6, indicating the beginning of a pandemic. This reflects the global outbreak of this new virus, to which people have little or no immunity and for which there is no vaccine.  

This announcement is not unexpected. It will neither influence nor is it necessary to change any of our response activities in Tennessee or the U.S.

The Department of Health continues to work with federal and local officials to respond to the outbreak in Tennessee and inform residents of ways to prevent the flu. The raising of the influenza pandemic alert level reflects the spread of the illness, not its severity.

As new information develops, it is important that we all remain aware and be informed of updates for the health of ourselves and our loved ones.

Please use this H1N1 Web site as a resource to promote, protect and improve  your health during this flu pandemic and check back regularly for the latest information.

Sincerely,

Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN
Commissioner
Tennessee Department of Health

Great Work, Knox Region!

Knox Region had an outstanding COA peer review exit conference this morning.  The reviewers spoke glowingly of the outstanding, dedicated staff and their commitment to teamwork in responding to the needs of their families and children.  All staff interviewed expressed excitement about COA as an avenue for making their work meet the standards of best practice.

All reviewers referenced the practice wheel and were particularly impressed with our Child and Family Teaming model.  They were very complimentary of the region's commitment to PQI/CQI.  They loved the well being unit and our regional general counsel!

They told one story that I thought was particularly telling.  A birth father came into an interview and immediately announced that he really didn't like talking to people much.  He did relax eventually with the reviewer and told his story.  He said that he cannot read or write.  Each time there is a new permanency plan, his FSW comes to his home and spends hours going over everything in the plan to make certain that he understands.  He wanted the reviewers to know how much it meant to him to be treated with such respect and thoughtfulness. 

The youth they interviewed felt in control of their lives and their Child and Family Teams,  saying that they did most of the talking.  They bragged on how available their workers are to support them and feed them occasionally!!

Knox is well aware that they did not do this alone.  I am certain that they would want me to express sincerest appreciation to Dimple Dudley, Diane Easterly, Rosa Webb, Judy Cole and the many, many others who were there to offer assistance during this process.

Viola P. Miller

Two More Regions in Full COA Compliance

Congratulations to Davidson and Southeast.  We have received notification from the Council on Accreditation that these regions are in full compliance with all standards. 

We are delighted to receive this news and very proud of the hard work that led to this accomplishment.  Our children and families are the big winners!!

As a reminder, we now have confirmation of full compliance, in addition to Davidson and South East, for Upper Cumberland, Northeast, Southwest, Northwest and South Central.  Over halfway home!!!! 

Congratulations all.  

Viola P. Miller

Hurray for Hamilton!

Our Hamilton DCS family is celebrating big time!!  They had an absolutely excellent Peer Review Exit Conference today.  Seeing all their proud and delighted faces made my heart glad.  They have worked incredibly hard and deserve all our congratulations for a job very well done.

The reviewers were impressed.   One of the reviewers even said, "I wouldn't mind being a client here!" . . . high praise indeed.  They loved the community partners and particularly referenced the Hamilton Resource Linkage.

They praised the dedication and passion of our staff and noted that their attitude about any challenge is, "What can I do to fix it?" rather than "Who can I blame?"  The staff presented an attitude of, "We're all in this together."

The Well Being teams were noted as unique to Tennessee and a terrific asset to the agency.  They praised human resources, training and PQI.  They noted the use of data and the commitment to accountability. 

Most of all, they loved the staff's commitment to their families and children and their use of the Practice Wheel as a way to make certain that those they served are served well indeed.

Congratulations, Hamilton.  You did us all proud!!

VIOLA P. MILLER

South Central, You Have Done Us Proud!!!

South Central just completed their exit briefing with the four peer reviewers from COA.  It was nothing short of excellent.  They commented repeatedly on the caring and dedication of the staff.  One reviewer said that he asked a group, "What would you change about your job?"  The answer was, "More resources for our families and children."  The reviewer was extremely impressed.  Not one word about more money or resources for staff, but rather the entire focus on the people we serve.

The loved the CABs and made repeated comments about the quality of the partnerships in the region.  They were very impressed with one or our private providers who reported feeling totally comfortable requesting a CFTM at any time there was a concern.

The CFTMs, CQI/PQI, resource parents, the youth interviewed were all highlights for the peers. 

Two of the reviewers stated that they had never seen more comprehensive, better organizaed and managed case files.  They were blown away by the quality of the supervisory notebooks they reviewed.

Join me in a loud and warm Congratulations to South Central.  Let's also give a big thank you to their sister region, Northwest who was with them every step of the way.  Thanks to everyone for all your hard.  It paid off in a very big way.

Viola Miller

Shouts and Tears of Joy Mark Mid-Cumberland's COA Exit

 Mid Cumberland probably had the most comprehensive review to date. All four of their reviewers were actual practitioners of our work and had been for many, many years. The reviewers were effusive in their praise while encouraging us all to continue to reach even higher. There is no question the MC will have a terrific outcome from this review. Just to summarize a few of the highlights of the exit . . .

1. The adoption process from start to finish was lauded with high praise. One reviewer even called it "perfect" which we know we never all, but it was nice to hear anyway.

2. They LOVED Interdependent Living (one reviewer even plans to steal the name.)

3. They were extremely impressed with our well being units and with the number and availability of attorney's that we have.

4. They were extremely impressed with the work that our resource parents do with birth parents.

5. JJ case management, human resources, client's rights, community partners were are awarded high praise.

6. Most of all, I loved the way they characterized the MC staff and leadership . . . High energy, full of pride in their work, dedicated to best practice. professional, no pretense . . .

I could go on and on, but I will end with my sincerest congratulations to our wonderful MC staff!!! You guys are amazing!

Viola P. Miller

On a roll in Davidson

Our very first urban region has had a very successful COA peer review!!!  Congratulations to Carla and all her team.

The reviewers were very impressed with the staff, private providers, community partners and everyone they had an opportunity to meet.  They loved it that our staff consistently referred to "my kids"  when talking about their work.

They were very complimentary of the teaming and partnerships that Davidson has developed both within and outside the the agency.

Our Davidson region general counsel was singled out as outstanding!!

Davidson worked incredible hard and received tremendous assistance from several of their sister regions and from Central Office staff.  We are all in this together and it takes all of us to demonstrate both the process and quality of our work with families and children.  Sincerest thanks to all of those who pitched in and worked so very hard.

Join me in congratulating Davidson.  We are all proud of you!!!

Viola P. Miller

Upper Cumberland Fills Us All With Pride

Although, as most of you know, I was unable to attend the COA exit conference for UC.  Because of tragedies in my family, I was out of the state.  I did, however, follow their progress closely by phone and email. 

UC staff, I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, how proud I am of you.  You faced repeated changes and additions to your review and you consistently responded with flexibility and professionalism.

The site reviewers were extremely impressed with you region, the staff and all of the excellent work you do everyday for our families and children.

Congratulations on a most successful site visit.  Since I missed your peer review exit, I will personally deliver your compliance letter when it arrives!!!

Please join me in congratulating Upper Cumberland. 

Viola P. Miller