The work you do with your clients requires the building of relationships, and good relationships are built on trust. Being an accredited organization means being a trusted organization – your clients can be confident that you are the authority in your field, and that your organization meets the highest industry standards.
Pursuing accreditation is not just a test, it’s a process. The result will be a structure you build and integrate into your services. Working with CAC is a valuable investment for your organization. Not only do you get the tools you need for accreditation and beyond, you get assistance to help you implement those tools.
WHAT IS ACCREDITATION
More than a certificate. It's proof.
Accreditation is independent recognition that your organization meets a nationally respected standard of quality in health and human service delivery.
It tells your community, your funders, and your partners that the quality of care you provide has been independently verified, not self-reported.
CAC’s process is built around your context. We’re not looking for perfection or faults, but for a strong commitment to quality and a plan for sustained continuous improvement.
CAC accreditation initiated a lot of change for us, and even though it was a lot of work, it was really a worthwhile endeavour.
What CAC Will Evaluate
CAC accreditation evaluates your organization across three pillars: Governance, Practice, and Outcomes. Each represents an essential dimension of organizational quality, from the policies that direct your work to the experiences of the people you serve.
The accreditation process at this level will ensure:
- A strong policy base that defines and directs practice and operations
- Clear leadership through defined roles and responsibilities
- An established practice model
- An ethical framework guiding the organization
- Sound financial management and accounting practices
- Organizational planning and risk management
- Effective quality improvement planning strategies
- Systems and structures to support service delivery within timelines
The accreditation process at this level will ensure:
- Practices defined in policy are implemented in the service delivery
- Complete case management that reflects services provided
- Evidence-based practice across the organization
- Evidence-based practice reflected in the experiences of the persons served
- Persons served feel safe, included, accommodated, and supported toward their goals
- Consistency at all levels of service delivery
- Cultures, rights, and diversity considered in service design
The accreditation process at this level will ensure:
- Quality planning supports program and service development
- Systems for collecting, aggregating, analyzing, and reporting outcome data
- Outcome reports align with the experiences of person served and staff
- Aggregated data informs policy and program development
- Services measured for efficiency and effectiveness against established goals
5 steps from here to accredited
Most organizations complete their first accreditation in 12–18 months. Here's what each phase looks like.
Initial Conversation
Reach out to a CAC coordinator. We'll learn about your organization, answer your questions, and help you determine if CAC accreditation is the right fit — at no cost and no commitment.
Application & Self-Assessment
Submit your application and complete a guided self-assessment against CAC's standards. This phase helps you identify strengths and areas for growth before the formal review begins.
Preparation & Support
Work with your CAC coordinator every step — you won't be doing this alone. Your Support coordinator is there to guide you through documentation and address any gaps identified.
On-Site Survey
A team of trained external reviewers visits your organization to assess your programs, speak with staff and clients, and evaluate your practices against the standards.
Accreditation & Continuous Improvement
Receive your accreditation designation along with a detailed feedback report. Your coordinator supports your ongoing quality improvement journey until your next renewal cycle.