Blanchard Valley Center lauded by state

FINDLAY — The Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which oversees Blanchard Valley Center, has earned its third consecutive, three-year accreditation from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. The three-year award is the maximum granted by the state and goes to county boards that have exhibited the highest standards of excellence in service and support. The accreditation will extend through October 2027. In 2024, the center provided services to over 900 individuals, and regularly provides resources and support to more than 700 individuals. Blanchard Valley Center supports residents with developmental disabilities, including therapy in early childhood, support for preschool and school-age programs, and job help and home assistance in adulthood. The accreditation process is an evaluation of county board operations. The center was last accredited in 2021. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (Ohio DODD) conducts an accreditation review of each county board in Ohio at least once every three years to determine compliance with state laws. The accreditation team reviews the board's policies and procedures, as well as its services, like residential or vocational support. Accreditation also includes an examination of investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, or any other allegation that adversely affects individuals with developmental disabilities. There is also a review of the center's strategic plan, along with interviews of people served by the board and their families. "This is validation of the outstanding work we do here at Blanchard Valley Center," said Superintendent Kelli Grisham. "I am fortunate to have a dedicated staff that comes to work every day with a single-minded mission: How can we best support Hancock Countians with developmental disabilities? We do it with excellence, and we do it 365 days a year." In the review, Hancock County's board was commended for initiatives "above and beyond minimal compliance." The report noted attention to incident filings and follow-ups, an active advocacy group and a responsive management team. The report stated that early intervention families are "thrilled" with the services and the positive impact on their children. The "Just Saying" group provides learning opportunities about sex education and positive relationships. The Ohio DODD also lauded the center's effort to network in the community, including partnering with local agencies to establish a guardianship board to address concerns and the need for guardians, and its work with Job and Family Services, Children Protective Services, law enforcement and schools. More information about Blanchard Valley Center is available online at www.blanchardvalley.org