Learning More About COA

Kids Central Inc. initiated its pursuit for Network Accreditation through The Council on Accreditation (COA) in May 2006.

What is the accreditation process? COA Network Accreditation is an orderly, sequential process which provides an organization pursuing accreditation is given a series of opportunities to demonstrate compliance with applicable Network standards.

The COA Network Accreditation process includes four basic phases: Application, Agency Self-Study, On-Site Peer Review and Preliminary Accreditation Report and Accreditation Decision.

• Application : Kids Central's application for Network Accreditation was submitted to the Council on Accreditation in New York on May 12, 2006.

Accreditation Mock Assessment/Compliance Analysis – A mock assessment which examined and scored compliance with the Network Accreditation standards was completed in June 2006. To accomplish this task, a team of consultants reviewed all materials and activities that will be assessed during the accreditation survey – both self-study review as well as the on-site review. To simulate the accreditation process, internal interviews as well as the collection and review of Kids Central's documents. Based on the results an implementation plan was collaboratively developed to help the organization reach compliance. The compliance report structured the sequence of activities necessary to successfully prepare for Network Accreditation. Compliance issues, upgrade recommendations, and priority work actions were offered.

Policy and Procedure Accreditation Compliance Upgrade and Implementation – following the mock assessment, Kids Central's policies and procedures were revised and forms developed. The revised policies and procedures were approved by the Board of Directors on October 26, 2006. Implementation of the policies and procedures into the staff training process began on December 11, 2006, which the introduction of Kids Central's revised Orientation Training.

• Agency Self-Study : The Agency Self-Study document which is submitted to COA to provide evidence that KCI is in compliance with COA Network standards. The Agency Self-Study is an unique aspect of the COA Network Accreditation process, as an organization seeking accreditation engages in a highly effective Business Process assessment and analysis, and strives to demonstrate to COA compliance with the standards. Kids Central will electronically submit the self-study tool to COA in New York in March 2007.

• On-Site Peer Review : A team of Peer Reviewers conduct an On-Site Peer Review to verify and clarify the information contained in the Agency Self-Study. The peer review team reviews case records, interviews clients and staff and visits facilities. This team consists of experienced professionals, trained in the COA process and who, as a team, have the requisite experience to review the organization's services. Prior to the on-site peer review team visit, the peer review team members review KCI's Agency Self-Study and make preliminary determinations regarding compliance. Kids Central's On Site Peer Review is scheduled for June 25, 2007.

• Preliminary Accreditation Report and Accreditation Decision : The COA Accreditation Commission will review the Preliminary Accreditation Report (PAR), which contains the peer reviewers' evaluations for all critical and mandatory standards, and COA's recommendations for corrective actions and delivers it to KCI. KCI has thirty days from the receipt of the PAR report to provide a response to COA. The Accreditation Commission will review the response and provide a final decision regarding accreditation based on the PAR, or will request additional documentation to demonstrate compliance.

Why seek accreditation through COA? COA partners with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying, and promoting accreditation standards. COA envisions excellence in the delivery of human services globally, resulting in the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. COA community is deeply committed to promoting standards, championing quality and advocating for accreditation - our vulnerable children, individuals, seniors, and families deserve nothing less.

What would accreditation mean to Kids Central, Inc.? Accreditation will serve as a catalyst for change that will build on Kids Central's strengths and helps to achieve better results in all areas. As an accredited organization, Kids Central would be evaluated against best-practice standards, which are developed using a consensus model with input from a wide range of service providers, funders, experts, policymakers and consumers. COA Network Accreditation is a highly regarded accomplishment for a child welfare agency and required by Florida statute for the CBC lead agencies.