WHAT CAC EVALUATES
Three pillars. One standard.
Our accreditation standards are organized around three core pillars: Governance, Practice, and Outcomes. Together, they provide a comprehensive picture of organizational quality.
Governance
Pillar 1
The foundation of a quality organization: strong policies, clear leadership, ethical frameworks, sound financial management, and quality improvement planning.
Practice
Pillar 2
How the organization's policies are implemented in actual service delivery: evidence-based practices, case management, client rights and dignity, and culturally responsive care.
Outcomes
Pillar 3
The measurable results of service delivery: demonstrating that programs are achieving meaningful impact for the people and communities they serve.
STANDARDS BY SECTOR
CAC has sector-specific standards tailored to the unique context of each service area.
- Health Services
- Social Services
- Indigenous Community Programs
- Addictions & Recovery
- Child & Family Services
- Mental HealthFind your sector
2027 STANDARDS EDITION
CAC is currently engaged in research toward incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into the next edition of our standards, a direct reflection of our commitment to authentic representation.
Learn About Our Indigenous Practice
HOW OUR STANDARDS ARE DEVELOPED
Built with the sectors we serve
Our standards aren’t developed in isolation. They are created with practitioners, sector experts, and the communities your organizations serve, including Indigenous advisors.
Evidence - based
Our current version of the standards has evolved over more than 50 years through partnerships with individuals, groups of like-minded programs, and health and human services organizations. We have continued to update each new edition to reflect evolving knowledge.
Sector - informed
Practitioners, leaders and community members contribute to standard development through committees, consultations and ongoing feedback processes. It is extremely important that the standards are developed in partnership with our stakeholders. After all, we want to ensure that our standards serve the needs of those who use them.
Culturally grounded
Indigenous voices are present at the table during our standard developments. We are actively engaged in research toward incorporating Indigenous Ways of Knowing into the 2027 Edition of our standards- a direct reflection of our ongoing commitment to authentic representation
Have questions about how the standards apply to your organization?
We are happy to walk you through what the review looks like for your sector and your context.