The Child Abuse Prevention Association is now
a fully accredited organization.

 

The Child Abuse Prevention Association received official notification of its accreditation recognition from the Council on Accreditation (COA) on February 18, 2011, after beginning the application process in 2010. This momentous endeavor was completed in February 2011, upon a site visit by the COA. The Council on Accreditation is an international, independent, non-profit accrediting body that works with more than 1,800 agencies throughout the United States, Canada, England and the Philippines. The accreditation process involves evaluating an organization against the best practice standards, which have been developed for 38 different service areas, using a consensus model with input from a wide range of service providers, funders, experts, policymakers and consumers. COA accreditation standards cover administrative, fundraising and governance practices, in addition to program, service, and education standards. COA views accreditation as a “catalyst for change that builds on an organization's strengths and helps it achieve better results in all areas.”

 

CAPA received initial funding to embark on our accreditation process in late 2009. The process began with an application, which provides organizational information regarding all aspects of our programs and services. COA then designated the areas in which CAPA would become accredited. This initiated a year-long process of self-study. During this time, all agency policies and procedures are measured against COA best practice standards. We have been able to add, revise and update policies and procedures during this self-study process. During the final quarter of 2010, stake-holder surveys were distributed to our clients, community organizations/individuals, our staff and board, and then returned directly to the Council on Accreditation.

 

CAPA is a strong organization due to its solid leadership, quality services and remarkable support from the community. Achieving accredited status provides validation by an external accrediting body; and, will demonstrate to the community, as well as funders, that we have met international best-practice standards. CAPA has worked hard to achieve its accreditation standing and has been pleased with the growth and development which has occurred throughout this process. The economic climate of recent years, as well as the focus on accountability and outcomes has created an increased expectation for organizations to become accredited.