May 2020
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
- Robert Frost
As we continue in stops and starts down the winding path of this pandemic – we are certainly aware that life goes on in both very reassuring and challenging ways. At AG we continue to find value and meaning in the work that we do in supporting you through updates, education and sharing of information. 

Read on for new ideas and ways to look at the integration of accreditation as a means of planning for life’s path in a proactive way. We also have some interesting insight on accreditation from leaders in the field and a new addition to AG: our National Director of Strategic Alliances. 

As always, we hope you are staying safe and healthy as life - with all its rewards and challenges - goes on.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Flowers & Team AG
Video of the Month
What is Accreditation in Action TM ?
Accreditation in Action highlights organizations who have been through the accreditation process. If you would like your organization featured, call us at 212.209.0240 or email Rocio@AccreditationGuru.com.
Shop Talk
Behavioral Health Brief - Initial and re-accreditation onsite surveys are still on hold at  CARF International and  The Joint Commission  through May 31, 2020 and Council on Accreditation (COA) through June 30, 2020.   Accreditation Guru staff are in communication with all accrediting bodies and will keep you informed.   

May is national mental health month.  This month is a time to recognize the advances in mental health awareness and treatment, advocate for increased accessibility for all and to pay special attention to everyone’s mental health in this time of crisis.  Helpful links include: HealthyPlace Newsletter and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 
FFPSA NOW - The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) is inextricably linked to accreditation in many ways.

As states and congregate care agencies begin to fully understand how FFPSA implementation will impact day to day operations and the ability to serve those in their care, we are continuing to add news and reports from around the web to help clarify the process.

Recently, we updated our FFPSA page to include even more information - from a fundamental description of the FFPSA to the latest news and updates.  Click here .  
Learn. Prepare. Follow. Share.
Accreditation - Read All About It

All In: Tamarack achieved accreditation because their contract with the state required it, but the process and its aftermath helped turn Executive Director Tim Davis into a strong advocate for the benefits of being accredited. R ead full interview here .

Breaking the Mold: How does a residential / outdoor wilderness therapeutic program use accreditation as a proxy for quality? “When (parents) are placing their child in a place where they know no one, they want some assurance of safety and quality.” – Vaughan Dowie, CEO, Pine River Institute. 
Read full interview here .
In Good Company
We are thrilled to welcome Sara O'Neil as Accreditation Guru's new National Director of Strategic Alliances! In this capacity, Sara will work closely with our CEO in building even stronger industry alliances and help AG achieve it's strategic goals.
 
You may recognize Sara from the Association of Children's Residential Centers (ACRC), where she developed and coordinated membership services for the organization. With over 25 years of work in brand marketing, client relations and business development, Sara is a strong asset to the team and we look forward to seeing her in action. Read more about Sara here .
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