| In the past, CAC relied on a Compliance Based Evaluation system, in which we used
percentages to determine whether or not a program would
reach accreditation status. The problem with this system is
that it looked only at the number generated and not the
service that was being delivered to the persons being
served.
The purpose of accreditation is not to assign a number to
a program, instead we want to encourage
the pursuit of excellence in all facets of the program, from
the day to day running of each program to the overall best
practices of the program as a whole. To this
effect, we have changed our accrediting model to one of a
Congruence Based Evaluation, in which we look at the
overall patterns and practice within the programs that are
being accredited to determine the effective, efficient and
meaningful delivery of service.
This allows us to give weight to both the practice of the
program as well as the experiences of the person served in
the program. In using this model, we are able to talk
to the staff, supervisors, board and the persons served
themselves to complement the onsite viewing of the program.
To that end, we make sure that we can see the appropriate
cycle in place:
|
The Standards are being
implemented in the Program Policy.
The Program Policy can be demonstrated in Practice
The Practice positively impacts the Person Served
Experience
and
The Person Served Experience is rooted in the
Standards |
When we can see these pieces implemented and
working in harmony, the congruence of the program can be
demonstrated. This evaluation model is key to our practice,
and we believe that it has aided many organizations in
achieving excellence in their programs. |
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