COA Accreditation

2026 COA Accreditation Standards Updates

Social Current

May 5, 2026

The 2026 edition of updates to the standards for COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, is now available. These targeted enhancements to the standards are the result of our annual update process and include changes based on ongoing collection and analysis of feedback received from our network, collaboration with diverse groups of subject matter experts, and a review of research and professional literature on identified trends and evolving practices.

Our collaborative update process is designed to ensure the standards remain up-to-date, research-based, and field-informed, promoting improved outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

When It Is Happening

Standards assignments for COA Accreditation using the new standards began April 20.

What’s Changing In Our Standards

Download the Artificial Intelligence (AI) standards for private, public, and Canadian organizations to see the 2026 updates that were made to promote responsible and ethical AI adoption in the social sector.

Download the adoption services standards for private and Canadian organizations to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the child and family development and support standards for private, public, and Canadian organizations to see the 2026 updates that were made to portions of this section for organizations providing family-centered peer support services.

Download the financial management standards for private, U.S. and Canadian organizations to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the governance standards for private, U.S. and Canadian organizations to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the outreach services standards for private, public, and Canadian organizations to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the shelter services standards for private, public, and Canadian organizations to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the youth independent living standards for private, public, and Canadian organizations to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

In response to feedback from our network, we are also releasing a collection of revisions throughout the COA Accreditation standards to provide clarity and/or remain current with trends in the field.

Download a copy of the additional revisions for private, public, and Canadian organizations to see the 2026 updates that were made throughout the standards.

Public Agency Administration and Management Standards

The standards for public agencies have been updated to ensure they remain current, research-based, and informed by practice in the field while supporting improved outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. These updates reflect the diverse structures and functional responsibilities of public entities and provide enhanced rating guidance to promote greater transparency and inter-rater reliability. The revisions are the result of a 12-month collaborative process with representatives from accredited public agencies, including one-on-one interviews, facilitated group discussions, and a review of relevant research and professional literature addressing emerging challenges, trends, and evolving practices in the public sector.

Download the administration and management (PA-AM) standards for public agencies to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the financial management (PA-FIN) standards for public agencies to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the human resources management (PA-HR) standards for public agencies to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the performance and quality improvement (PA-PQI) standards for public agencies to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the risk prevention and management (PA-RPM) standards for public agencies to see the 2026 updates that were made to this fully revised section.

Download the new contracting standards for public agencies to see the 2026 updates that were made to contracting standards previously found in PA-PQI 6 and 7.

Who’s Affected

These changes impact private, public, and Canadian organizations seeking COA accreditation or reaccreditation. The 2026 edition of updates will not impact organizations that are currently pursuing accreditation or re-accreditation and have already been assigned standards in the MyCOA portal.

Our Standards Update Process

The 2026 COA Accreditation standards updates reflect changes made based on evolving practices, ongoing review of relevant literature, and the continuous feedback we receive from our network, including volunteer reviewers and accredited organizations. More specifically, updating the 2026 standards involved:

Collection, in-depth review, and synthesis of prominent published research and professional literature in targeted areas
Review of standards drafts and discussion of trends in the field with Standards Advisory Panels comprised of subject matter experts, agency leaders, and service providers
Collection and review of feedback solicited from Social Current’s network, including through the “Provide Feedback” button found in the MyCOA and VIP portals
Sharing drafts online for a period of field comment to solicit feedback from Social Current’s network and the broader social service sector

Questions?

If you are currently pursuing accreditation or re-accreditation, please reach out to your accreditation coordinator.

If you are seeking accreditation for the first time, join an introductory webinar or contact Joe Perrow, senior manager of network engagement and growth at Social Current.

For additional information about COA Accreditation standards, please contact Melissa Dury, director of standards at Social Current.

About Social Current

Social Current is the premier partner and solutions provider to a diverse network of more than 1,800 human and social service organizations. Together with our network, we are activating the power of the social sector to effect broader systemic change that is needed to achieve our vision of an equitable society where all people can thrive. We support, strengthen, and amplify the work of the social sector in five core integrated areas including brain science and trauma-informed approaches; COA Accreditation; child, family, and community well-being; government affairs and advocacy; and leadership and organizational development.