CARF Accreditation.

What is CARF?

CARF is the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.  It is an international, not-for-profit organization that promotes quality rehabilitation services by establishing standards for quality and surveying those organizations to assure the standards are being met.

What are the benefits of being CARF accredited?

The benefits of maintaining standards compliance are realized by both the organization and the consumers of its services.

For the organization, CARF accreditation is used as a catalyst towards continuous quality improvement of its services.  The standards set forth can be used to help focus an organization in its efforts to provide quality services.  The survey team uses a consultative approach to offer advice the organization can use to improve its service delivery.  They bring with them not only their own experience but also the experience of other similar organizations to promote established best practices within the different service areas.

For the consumer, choosing a CARF accredited program or service assures them that the organization has met consumer-focused, state of the art international standards of performance.  The programs or services an CARF accredited organization offers actively involve consumers in the selecting, planning and use those programs or services.  The organization is focused on assisting each consumer in achieving their chosen goals and outcomes.

Does Individual Pursuits have to be accredited?

Yes.  Our funding body, Community Living British Columbia (CLBC), has mandated that organizations which receive a certain level of funding be accredited.  For more information, visit the Ministry of Children and Family Development's accreditation webpage.

What standards does Individual Pursuits meet?

All of our programs and administrative functions are fully CARF-accredited.  We currently operate with a three-year accreditation status under CARF’s Employment and Community Services standards in the following sections:

1. Business Practices

1. Input from Stakeholders

2. Accessibility

3. Information Management and Performance Improvement

4. Rights of Persons Served

5. Health and Safety

6. Human Resources

7. Leadership

8. Legal Requirements

9. Financial Planning and Management

2. Quality Individualized Services

1. Individual-Centered Service Planning, Design and Delivery

2. Records of the Persons Served

3. Community Services

1. Community Services Principle Standards

2. Community Integration

3. Community Housing

For more information about CARF and the Employment and Community Services standards, visit CARF online at www.carf.org or contact them toll free at 1-888-281-6351.