Thornwell Earns National COA Accreditation Through 2030

March 1, 2026

Thornwell’s accreditation validates its commitment to excellence in service delivery

Clinton, SC – March 1, 2026 – Thornwell has earned national accreditation through March 31, 2030, from the Council on Accreditation (COA), a service of Social Current. This recognition affirms that Thornwell meets rigorous, nationally recognized best-practice standards and continues to provide high-quality services to children, youth, and families across the region.

COA accreditation provides independent verification that an organization operates with strong governance, sound financial stewardship, and effective service delivery. Through a comprehensive review process that includes peer evaluation and an on-site assessment, COA examines operations, leadership, risk management, and program outcomes to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

For families, partners, and supporters, accreditation offers meaningful assurance that Thornwell’s programs are evaluated against the highest standards of care and organizational excellence.

“Achieving COA accreditation is a significant milestone — especially as we celebrate 150 years of faithful service,” said Myron Wilkins, President and CEO of Thornwell. “It reflects the dedication of our staff, the leadership of our Board of Trustees, and our unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve. Accreditation is more than a credential; it is a framework that drives excellence in everything we do.”

As part of the accreditation process, peer reviewers conducted a comprehensive study and site visit, resulting in a Final Accreditation Report (FAR). The report highlighted several organizational strengths, including:

Strong financial oversight and stewardship
Effective governance and board leadership
Robust Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) systems
Risk prevention and data security safeguards
Commitment to client rights and safety
High-quality foster care and residential services
Comprehensive mental health services
Well-rounded transitional living programs

While accreditation affirms Thornwell’s strong performance, the organization remains committed to ongoing growth and continuous improvement through its Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) process.