Providing quality care for children in need takes a team of dedicated professionals. At Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning (AAPL), our teams are committed to providing the best possible supports and services for kids. We want our clients to be certain that they’ve made the right choice. That’s why we are fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
CARF is an international, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services providers. CARF-accredited service providers have applied a comprehensive set of standards for quality to their business and service delivery practices. They have demonstrated conformance to proven standards for business practices and are committed to continuous quality improvement. Each provider is periodically evaluated on site and reconfirmed regularly.
The CARF Accreditation Process
AAPL is set to be reaccredited this fall. Although the company has held the highest accreditation award for the past three years, we have no plans to rest on our laurels. The reaccreditation process begins six months before the CARF on-site evaluation. Our staff members apply for a survey, confirm suitable dates with CARF surveyors and pay all applicable dues and costs. And that’s just the beginning.
“Preparing for the reaccreditation is challenging in that a full cross check of our policies and processes must be completed with the newest accreditation manual,” says Program Coordinator Cara Pinchuk. “This process involves full policy review and editing, training pieces with all staff members, cross check of our adherence to the CARF standards over the past three years and organizing all of the evidence and information in a way that the surveyors can review it with ease.”
The Benefits of CARF Accreditation
While the process is time-consuming, Pinchuk says it’s well worth it. “The accreditation process comes with an additional body of credibility over and above the ministry process that reviews our overall business practices. CARF accreditation is a process that by its nature evidences our group’s willingness to go the extra mile to ensure we are providing the highest level of care to our clients.”
Accreditation benefits staff and clients by having a third party, independent organization assess practices and point to areas where improvements can be made. “We are not fearful of transparency,” says Pinchuk. “We pride ourselves on the highest level of practice possible. CARF accreditation sets QCH and AAPL apart as premier service providers.” The accreditation program also provides accountability to funding sources, referral agencies and the community.
We support foster care families through extensive training and multidisciplinary clinical consultations.
Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning is an alternative school day treatment program for children who aren’t able to reach their full potential in the public school system. Our therapeutic boarding school environment benefits students who require individualized academic, clinical and behaviour management solutions.
Please contact us for more information.