Accreditation
Three Year Accreditation Awarded in 2017
RMACL is required to include all programs funded by CLBC and MCFD.
This currently includes:
- Child and Youth Services
- Community Housing (Group Homes)
- Community Housing and Shelters (Children and Adolescents)
- Community Integration
- Host Family – Home Share / Shared Living
- Respite Services: (Children and Adolescents)
- Supported Living
- Community Employment Services: Employment Support
- Community Employment Services: Job Development
RMACL was the first community living organization in British Columbia to be accredited by CARF. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of human service providers in the areas of rehabilitation, employment and community, child and youth, and aging services.
Being accredited by CARF means that RMACL has achieved substantial conformance on more than 2000 standards for leadership, strategic planning, client’s rights, use of technology, financial, legal, and risk management, health and safety, accessibility, human resource practices, information management, performance improvement, ethical conduct and ethical business practices, as well as specific service delivery models that demonstrate benefit to people served. CARF standards require that comprehensive and ongoing quality assurance processes and an analysis of program outcomes are integrated into day to day operations.
Since our first accreditation survey in 2001, RMACL is proud to have been granted six consecutive three year accreditation awards – the highest accreditation rating from CARF – for all of our programs. The most recent of these was awarded in 2017. An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation rating has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated that its programs and services are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.
How Does it Work?
We begin the accreditation process with a comprehensive internal examination of our program and business practices. We then request an on-site survey that will be conducted by a team of expert practitioners selected by CARF. During the survey, we are required to demonstrate that we conform to a series of rigorous and internationally recognized CARF standards.
Based on the results of the survey, CARF prepares a written report of our strengths and areas for improvement. If we have sufficiently demonstrated our conformance to the standards, we earn CARF accreditation.
After receiving the report, we must submit a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to CARF to show how we are addressing any areas for improvement. Then, each year during the term of accreditation, we must submit a report to CARF documenting additional improvements we have made and confirming that we have, at all times, been in substantial conformance to all of the applicable international standards.
What are the Benefits?
Choosing CARF accredited programs and services gives you the assurance that the organization:
- Meets internationally accepted standards that are based on “best practice”. These standards are reviewed and updated annually.
- Is committed to encouraging feedback, continuously improving services, and serving the community.
- Emphasizes an integrated and individualized approach to services and outcomes.
- Actively involves consumers in planning, selecting, reviewing, and improving services.
- Is accountable to funders, referral agencies, and to the community.
- Has participated in an independent, external review to identify strengths and areas for improvement based on objective program expectations and guidelines that are common to all CARF accredited organizations.
How to Find More Information
For more information about RMACL’s CARF accreditation process please contact Gillian Small 604-467-8700 Ext 109 or by email at gillian.small@rmacl.org
