Promotes accreditation standards in the child and family services and behavioral health care fields. Founded in 1977 by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) and Family Service America, the Council on Accreditation (COA) partners with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes. In 2004, COA accredited or was in the process of accrediting more than 1,500 private and public organizations serving more than 7 million individuals and families in North America, England, and the Philippines. COA’s Web site gives human services and behavioral health professionals: (1) an opportunity to review draft accreditation standards; (2) notice of recently accredited organizations as well as a roster of all accredited organizations to date; (3) access to press releases, related news articles, and published reports; (4) information about applying for accreditation, including the rights and responsibilities of an organization seeking accreditation; (5) an overview of COA standards,including management and service standards; (6) information about COA’s peer review system; (7) summaries of training opportunities and related fees; (8) links to sponsoring organizations; (9) an opportunity to report a concern about a COA-accredited or in-process organization; and (10) notice of job opportunities.
