The 2024 edition of updates to the standards for COA Accreditation are 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.

Who’s Affected

These changes impact private, public, and Canadian organizations seeking COA accreditation or reaccreditation. The 2024 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.

When It Is Happening

Standards assignments for COA Accreditation using the new standards began April 19, 2024.

What’s Changing In Our Standards

The Adult Protective Services standards have been revised to better address current literature on screening, investigation, service delivery, and collaboration with community partners. These revisions aim to mitigate or eliminate the risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation for vulnerable adults, emphasizing safety, independence, and overall well-being. The 2024 updates to APS include new or revised content on:

Staff qualifications
Workload and work-related stressors
Properly identifying and routing cases for the most positive outcomes
Investigation protocols
Case monitoring
Procedures for case closures

The Crisis Response and Information Services (CRI) standards have been expanded to better reflect the full spectrum of crisis services. The 2024 updates to CRI include:

Greater emphasis throughout on creating collaborative crisis response systems and community partnerships
Greater emphasis throughout on trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and person-centered care
New content on staff with lived experience
New content related to the use of telehealth in crisis care
New content on crisis services provided in group settings
New content on rape crisis and victim services
New content for mobile crisis response services including a new Core Concept, CRI 6: Mobile Crisis Response Services
New content for short-term crisis receiving and stabilization units that were all previously accredited under Residential Treatment Services (RTX) including two new Core Concepts, CRI 7: Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Services and CRI 8: Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Facilities
New and revised content on law enforcement involvement

We have revised our standards for Domestic Violence Services (DV) to better address important topics in the field and encourage practices that promote survivors’ well-being. The 2024 updates to DV include:

New and revised content on the range of supportive services that can enable survivors to heal, access resources, develop connections, and build skills
New and revised content focused on improving the well-being of survivors’ children
Revised content addressing processes for intake and assessment
New and revised content on telephonic crisis intervention services
New content on support for personnel
Updated expectations regarding evidence of standard implementation that reflect best practices for record keeping when working with survivors

We have revised our standards for Integrated Care; Health Homes (ICHH) to better address important topics in the field, including shared decision making and the social factors that can impact health outcomes. The 2024 updates to ICHH include:

An overall shift towards person-centered language and away from terms like “client,” “patient,” or “service recipient”
Greater emphasis throughout on putting the individual or family at the center of all service delivery decisions
New and revised content on identifying and addressing the social determinants of health to promote whole-person care and equitable health outcomes
New content on staff with lived experience
New and revised content on health information technologies
New and revised content on crisis and/or safety planning
Updates to ICHH 4: Intake and Assessment

The standards for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services (IDDS) have been revised to better address key topics in the field including personnel competencies, the inclusion of workers with lived experience, caregiver/family education and support, and the delivery of individualized therapeutic interventions to address symptoms that inhibit positive functioning and quality of life. The 2024 updates to IDDS include:

A revised Purpose Standard and Definition
New and revised content related to staff qualifications
New and revised content related to peer support in IDDS services, including new content on staff with lived experience
New content on therapeutic services for individuals with IDD including a new Core Concept, IDDS 5: Therapeutic Services
New and revised content on procedures for transitioning individuals to another level of care

We have revised our standards for Mental Health and/or Substance Use Services in response to SAMHSA releasing its updated criteria for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in March 2023. As more states require independent accreditation for CCBHCs in their state certification processes, Social Current is committed to meeting the needs of these clinics nationwide. These CCBHC updates apply only to private and public entities operating in the United States. We have also updated the MHSU standards to reflect current literature and practice in behavioral health including new or revised content related to key topics in the field such as rehabilitation and recovery, care coordination, shared decision making, and the social factors that can impact health outcomes. These updates apply to private and public entities operating in the United States or Canada. The 2024 updates to MHSU include:

A revised Purpose Standard and Definition
New and revised content related to staff qualifications
New and revised content related to peer support in IDDS services, including new content on staff with lived experience
New content on therapeutic services for individuals with IDD including a new Core Concept, IDDS 5: Therapeutic Services
New and revised content on procedures for transitioning individuals to another level of care

We have revised our standards for Pregnancy Support Services (PS) to better address important topics in the field and support the health and well-being of pregnant individuals. The 2024 updates to PS include new and revised content addressing:

Counseling and support that can help individuals make decisions about their pregnancies
Education and support services that promote positive functioning and help individuals attain goals
Education and support services that encourage healthy births and promote preparation for parenthood

The Respite Care (RC) standards have been updated to reflect current literature and practice including effective, person-centered respite care. The 2024 updates to RC include:

New content centering caregiver involvement in provider training and service delivery
Improved clarity on service environment practices and procedures
Greater emphasis throughout on caregiver and care recipient voice and choice
New content related to care recipient safety and well-being

We have revised our standards for Wilderness and Adventure-Based Therapeutic Outdoor Services (WT) and the Experiential Education Supplement (EES) to better capture the intent and functionality of these programs. The 2024 updates to WT and EES include:

New content on respecting Indigenous land and cultural traditions
The inclusion of adventure-based services for adult populations
New and revised content related to the health and safety of personnel and persons served
New and revised content on providing person-centered, trauma-informed care
Clarity on the definition and intent of WT programs to offer clinical services in a natural environment

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. Highlights include:

Updates to the Person-Centered Logic model standards, evidence, and rating indicators where applicable
Adjusting CPR training requirements for Canadian organizations from a two-year to three-year cycle to align with prevailing industry standards in Canada
A new standard in ASE 2 on prohibited practices
A new standard in GOV 3 on providing meaningful opportunities for individuals and families to influence the design, delivery, and evaluation of an organization’s programs and services

Download a full list of standards impacted by the 2024 updates.

Our Standards Update Process

The 2024 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 2024 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, reach out to your accreditation coordinator.

If you are seeking accreditation for the first time, please contact Joe Perrow.

For additional information about COA Accreditation standards, please contact Melissa Dury.

June 12 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT

Free

Participants will learn about COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, as it relates to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). This webinar will provide an overview of accreditation for CCBHCs and feature BestSelf Behavioral Health, a COA-accredited organization operating a CCBHC program.

Staff from BestSelf will speak about their experiences with COA Accreditation, how accreditation has been an asset, and the learning curve for CCBHCs. Following their presentation, participants will hear from Social Current staff about the COA Accreditation process and receive an update on our mental health and/or substance use services (MHSU) standards and their alignment with the CCBHC criteria. The session will end with time for Q&A.

Takeaways

What an organization operating a CCBHC should know when considering COA Accreditation
How COA Accreditation works for an organization operating a CCBHC
Next steps for an organization operating a CCBHC to become accredited

Who Should Participate

CCBHC program directors, quality improvement staff, and behavioral health directors
State representatives from Division of Behavioral Health/DHHSS

Presenters

Joe Perrow

Network Growth Manager
Social Current

Kelly Barkley Mane

Manager of Government Relations and Recognitions
Social Current

Melissa Dury

Director of Standards
Social Current

Rebecca S. Steffen

Vice President of Quality Improvement & Accreditation
BestSelf Behavioral Health

Sarah Weirzbowski

Vice President of Clinic Services
BestSelf Behavioral Health

Related Events

October 20 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm MDT

$400 (Each Training)

These in-person trainings are pre-conference sessions at our SPARK 2024 conference in Denver, but registration is separate from the conference.

Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) (9 a.m.-Noon)

Price: $400

The Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. Topics discussed in this training include:

An in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process, including key milestones
An overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards, evidence, and the rating indicators
How ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process
Tips on how to get organized and manage the work
How to prepare for the site visit

These in-person trainings are pre-conference sessions at our SPARK 2024 conference in Denver, but registration is separate from the conference.

Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) (1-4 p.m.)

Price: $400

This performance and quality improvement (PQI) training is designed to help organizations pursuing COA Accreditation develop a comprehensive approach to a quality improvement process that will advance an efficient and effective service delivery system and enhance organizational capacity to deliver quality services. This training will demonstrate how quality improvement is a catalyst for successful achievement of strategic goals and program outcomes.

Who Should Participate

Organization primary contacts
Senior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation
Other staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process

Special thanks to our PQI training sponsor, QI Folio.

Learn more about COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, and how to get started online.

Darrell Woodliff

Director of Volunteer Engagement
Social Current

Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

1550 Court Place
Denver, 80202 United States + Google Map

303-893-3333
View Venue Website

December 2 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm EST

$400

COA Accreditation is offered as a service of Social Current. Learn more about COA Accreditation and how to get started online.

Takeaways

What it means to be outcomes focused
How to develop strong outcome statements
How to use logic models to outline program goals and client outcomes
Main components of a PQI process

Who Should Participate

Organization primary contacts
Senior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation
Other staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process

Darrell Woodliff

Director of Volunteer Engagement
Social Current

April 1 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT

$400

COA Accreditation is offered as a service of Social Current. Learn more about COA Accreditation and how to get started online.

Takeaways

What it means to be outcomes focused
How to develop strong outcome statements
How to use logic models to outline program goals and client outcomes
Main components of a PQI process

Who Should Participate

Organization primary contacts
Senior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation
Other staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process

Darrell Woodliff

Director of Volunteer Engagement
Social Current

February 5 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm EST

$400

This session has sold-out. Please visit our COA Accreditation Trainings page to view and register for future sessions.

COA Accreditation is offered as a service of Social Current. Learn more about COA Accreditation and how to get started online.

Takeaways

What it means to be outcomes focused
How to develop strong outcome statements
How to use logic models to outline program goals and client outcomes
Main components of a PQI process

Who Should Participate

Organization primary contacts
Senior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation
Other staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process

December 2 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EST

$400

The Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. Topics discussed in this training include:

An in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process, including key milestones
An overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards, evidence, and the rating indicators
How ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process
Tips on how to get organized and manage the work
How to prepare for the site visit

COA Accreditation is offered as a service of Social Current. Learn more about COA Accreditation and how to get started online.

Who Should Participate

Organization primary contacts
Senior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation
Other staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process

Darrell Woodliff

Director of Volunteer Engagement
Social Current

April 1 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EDT

$400

This session has sold-out. Please visit our COA Accreditation Trainings page to view and register for future sessions.

The Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. Topics discussed in this training include:

An in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process, including key milestones
An overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards, evidence,
and the rating indicators
How ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process
Tips on how to get organized and manage the work
How to prepare for the site visit

COA Accreditation is offered as a service of Social Current. Learn more about COA Accreditation and how to get started online.

Who Should Participate

Organization primary contacts
Senior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation
Other staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process

Darrell Woodliff

Director of Volunteer Engagement
Social Current

February 5 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EST

$400

This session has sold-out. Please visit our COA Accreditation Trainings page to view and register for future sessions.

The Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. Topics discussed in this training include:

An in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process, including key milestones
An overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards, evidence, and the rating indicators
How ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process
Tips on how to get organized and manage the work
How to prepare for the site visit

Learn more about COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, and how to get started online.

Takeaways

An in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process, including key milestones
An overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards, evidence, and the rating indicators
How ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process
Tips on how to get organized and manage the work
How to prepare for the site visit

Who Should Participate

Organization primary contacts
Senior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation
Other staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process

Darrell Woodliff

Director of Volunteer Engagement
Social Current

The 2023 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 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.

Who’s Affected

These changes impact private, public, and Canadian accredited organizations. The 2023 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.

When It is Happening

Standards assignments for COA Accreditation using the new standards began April 20, 2023.

What’s Changing in Our Standards

Revised Standards for Residential Treatment Services

We have revised our standards for Residential Treatment Services (RTX) to better address important topics in the field, including encouraging appropriate use of residential treatment, centering resident voice and choice, maximizing family involvement, creating a trauma-informed service culture, reducing the use of restrictive interventions, and working with residents to develop the skills they need to manage challenges and live successfully at home and in the community. The 2023 updates to RTX include:

New and revised content on promoting healing and empowerment through relationships, choice, and active engagement
New and revised content on promoting a noncoercive environment where individuals have the support they need and crises are prevented
New and revised content on developing, practicing, and generalizing new skills and strategies
New content on working with Peer and Family Partners
Shifting towards person-centered language and away from terms like “resident”

Revised Standards for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We have released equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) enhancements to our standards to advance administrative and service delivery practices that embed EDI and promote the delivery of equitable services for all people through physically and psychologically safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed environments. The 2023 EDI updates include new or enhanced content on:

Developing an organization-wide equity statement
Reviewing human resource policies and procedures through an equity lens
Providing opportunities for personnel to practice cultural humility
Disaggregating data to identify disproportionate outcomes
Creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive administrative and service delivery environments
Resource and adoptive family recruitment that prioritizes the needs of children and youth in care
Training and support for staff and resource families focused on meeting the diverse needs of children and youth in care
Prohibiting coercive, threatening, or otherwise harmful treatment modalities

Additional Revisions

An NA in PRG 5 and 6 for programs not focused on serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a new standard in ASE to promote inclusive services in all programs
New glossary definitions for “Secondary Traumatic Stress” and “Child-Focused Recruitment” and a revised definition for “Trauma-Informed”
A series of updates to clarify the intent and applicability of NAs throughout the standards
Updates to PRG 3: Medication Management for programs that allow residents to store and/or administer their own medication
Updates to FKC 12: Supports and Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth

A full list of standards impacted by the 2023 updates can be found here.

Our Process

The 2023 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 2023 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, reach out to your accreditation coordinator.

If you are seeking accreditation for the first time, please contact Joe Perrow.

For additional information about COA Accreditation standards, please contact Melissa Dury.