FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, July 21, 2022
LANSING – Not-for-profit, accredited child welfare agencies in Michigan are celebrating their clients who overcame obstacles and adversity to graduate high school.
Each year, the agencies that make up the Association of Accredited Child & Family Agencies (AACFA) see clients achieve their high school graduation while undergoing treatment at a residential facility, in the juvenile justice system or in foster care.
“We are so proud of our many clients who worked so hard to overcome many obstacles and adversity to accomplish their graduation,” said Judith Fischer, president of AACFA. “Our member agencies provide a full continuum of services to help our clients thrive, and high school graduation is one of these important milestones that allows these students to become contributing members of society.”
The five member agencies saw 82 students graduate this year. Some are entering the workforce and others are pursuing higher education.
Along with helping students complete their education, AACFA is a group of child welfare organizations that provide an array of services including adoption, foster care, mental health, residential care, counseling and more. AACFA advocates for fair and adequate funding across the child welfare system in Michigan because not-for-profit child welfare organization receive 30 percent less in state funding than state-run entities, despite the full continuum of services they provide.
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All members of AACFA are 501(c)(3) organizations and are accredited by the National Council on Accreditation or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Our accreditation means we follow national best practices, and we are subject to independent audits and reviews to ensure the highest standards for safety, transparency and fiscal responsibility.