April 2021
One thing that always makes us proud to be involved in the field of accreditation is watching as it changes and evolves while consistently supporting a higher quality of care for individuals. We watch accrediting bodies review and refine their standards to get ahead of the challenges faced by organizations. We see associations offer accreditation training courses in order to raise the bar for members. And we speak with individual organizations who are looking to achieve accreditation in an effort to pursue excellence in care. At Accreditation Guru, we were inspired to make our own changes to program offerings in order to make accreditation accessible to more organizations than ever.

This month’s newsletter is dedicated to the continued growth and evolution of our affiliates, clients, partner organizations and ultimately the people whose lives we are all hoping to positively impact. Read more below for announcements and updates on what's happening in the field.

Sincerely,

Jennifer and Team AG

#YearofAccreditation // #Accreditation2021 // #PrepareforGreatness
Getting Your Board on Board
A board of directors plays a critical role - both directly, and indirectly - throughout the accreditation process. Jennifer shares some tips for ensuring their buy-in.
Shop Talk
Behavioral Health: Below are two resources to assist with service providers’ continuing need to implement evidence-based practices and explore paths to close disparity gaps:

SAMHSA’s Evidence Based Resource Center provides resources and links that organizations can research in order to meet accrediting bodies’ expectations of implementing evidence-based practices.

The National Network to End Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED) is a network of community-based organizations focused on the mental health and substance use issues of diverse racial and ethnic communities.
Child Welfare: Good news for organizations needing help meeting the FFPSA mandate for accreditation of a residential program or group home(s): 
Accrediting Bodies are now offering options that are especially helpful to multi-service/program organizations. 
We've compiled a list of updates for you here.

FFPSA - Help from your state: Almost all states have established a dedicated state FFPSA contact to support their state providers and are available to discuss this type of concern. If you are uncertain who to contact in your state and / or would like information on funding - contact us.
We have an updated list of many of the
state FFPSA contacts and will most likely have a resource for you!
Accreditation News
Grant Opportunities:

We are continuing to share our findings on grant opportunities as a way to encourage organizations in their pursuit of enhancing existing programs or initiating new ones. If you need help with grant writing and/or are looking for ways that grants can offset accreditation-related costs - contact us.

GrantWatch provides information on tribes, tribal governments, local, state, federal and foundation funding sources. New grants are added daily.


SAMHSA is directing $2.5 billion in Block Grants toward addressing the rising mental health and addiction crises as a result of the pandemic. The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant will be awarded $1.65 billion to improve existing treatment infrastructure and implement additional prevention and treatment programs and $825 million will be allocated to Community Mental Health Centers. 

Did you know? Your state authority has funding information on SAMHSA and other opportunities that can aid in offsetting accreditation related costs.
Accreditation in ActionTM
Congratulations to the following agencies on achieving accreditation! Your drive to evaluate and raise the bar on your organization’s standard of care is inspiring. We were proud to be your partner in this endeavor!
COA Accreditation
CARF Accreditation
COA Accreditation
Accreditation By The Numbers – How Does Your Organization Compare?
Did you know that 60% of organizations have written emergency procedures that need to be updated, do not meet accreditation standards, or are not tested?

Every year we compile data from hundreds of readiness assessment surveys submitted to us directly from child welfare, human services, and behavioral health organizations. Click here for more stats. If you think your organization may need help in improving in any one of these areas – start with the FREE Readiness Assessment to identify areas of focus.
Company News
Upcoming Conferences and Presentations:
April 20-April 22nd:
PAFCAF Annual Conference
AG is a proud sponsor of this event. For more information about this conference, Click here

May 6 / 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET:
AG Webinar - Intro to Accreditation Click here to register.

May 25th / 12:00 CST:
Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
Jennifer will be be participating as a panelist for their Hague Accreditation 2021 discussion
Accreditation Guru, Inc. / Certified MWBE / 212.209.0240 / [email protected]