Accountability

Prairie State Legal Services is committed to fiscal accountability as well as high quality legal services, as demonstrated below.

The organization undergoes an extensive independent audit each year in accordance with U.S. Government Auditing standards under the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133. The audit includes additional testing and reviews pursuant to Legal Services Corporation rules. Prairie State files IRS form 990 each year. These forms are accessible through www2.guidestar.org/.

View Board of Directors and Senior Staff

Prairie State uses an extensive case management database that enables the organization to track services in six minute increments by funder, by service, by client, and staff person. Funders can be assured that PSLS can fully document the services it provides under its various grants. The organization also records the result of cases for which it provides representation in court, administrative agency hearings or negotiations. A selected number of clients receiving legal advice services by telephone receive follow-up surveys so that Prairie State may evaluate the impact of its legal advice services.

Prairie State is committed to providing effective and efficient legal services in a fiscally responsible manner. However, responsiveness to the changing issues affecting our communities requires creativity and innovation. Prairie State has been recognized over the years for their commitment to excellence in services and creativity in service delivery. Recognition has included:

Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging – Sid Granet Award for innovations in service delivery.
Retirement Research Foundation Encore Award for excellence.
Governor’s Award for Unique Achievement.
The Shriver National Center on Poverty Law 2008 Housing Justice Award.
“Exemplary service to victims of crime” (Victim Justice Coalition, 1997)
Partners in Peace Award (Community Crisis Center 1995 and 2006)
National Pro Bono Partner Award for involvement of corporate attorneys in services to low-income women (Association of Corporate Counsel 2004)
“Excellent performance” rating (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (each year 2004 through 2009)