Accreditation

Salt Spring and Southern Gulf Islands Community Services Society has achieved a three-year CARF accreditation effective February 2007 and extending through February 2010. CARF is an international organization that accredits human services providers.

The purpose of accreditation is to improve the quality of services delivered. It involves meeting standards developed by consumers, stakeholders, professionals, and national organizations. Accreditation is a formal process of organizational development and review completed by qualified peer surveyors from other similar organizations in Canada and United States. It focuses on organizational and program management and standards of service delivery. It requires a high level of accountability, professionalism, quality improvement and overall organizational competence.

The following SSICS programs and services have been accredited:

• Adult Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Services
• Community Housing and Shelters
• Counselling, Support and Facilitation Services
• Child/Youth Mental Health and Addiction Services

As part of the accreditation process the following organization-wide business practices were also examined:

• Input from Stakeholders
• Accessibility
• Information and Performance Management
• Rights of Persons Served
• Health and Safety
• Human Resources
• Leadeship
• Financial Planning and Management
• Governance