Resources

COA, CARF and CQL Accrediting Bodies

The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) has three approved accrediting organizations. All three have sets of standards and are appropriate for the range of MCFD/Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) programs (COA and CARF) or CLBC programs only (CQL).

COA

Council on Accreditation (COA):

  • not-for-profit
  • accredits Behavioural Health Care and child- and family-service organizations
  • affiliated with (sponsored and supported by) many national US associations, especially those for children and families (e.g. Child Welfare League of America)
  • released Canadian version of the standards
  • based in New York, New York
  • employs a full-time Canadian Liaison, along with support staff located in B.C.
  • has a COA Canada board (COAC) that has been in operation for 6 years

For more information:

The following is provided for information only. The ministry does not provide funding for participation at these events.

CARF Canada

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF):

  • not-for-profit
  • accredits Behavioural Health, Employment and Community Services, Medical Rehabilitation, Aging Services, and Child and Youth programs.
  • has specific Canadian standards
  • each of CARF’s divisions has a resource specialist
  • since 1993 was used by BC Ministry of Health/Ministry of Children and Family Development to accredit contracted services
  • sponsored by many national US associations related to rehabilitation
  • head office in Tucson, Arizona
  • CARF Canada offices in Edmonton, Alberta, and Ottawa, Ontario

For more information:

The following is provided for information only. The ministry does not provide funding for participation at these events.

CQL

Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL)

    • Based in Towson, Maryland
    • Is an independent American Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
    • Reviewers are employees of CQL
    • CQL is the sole provider of accreditation in North Dakota, for the Nevada Department of Human Resources, Mental Health and Developmental Services, and one of two mandated accreditation service providers in South Dakota (the other option is audit by the State). CQL is also employed in Ireland and Australia.
    • Agencies can expect at least three (possibly more) on-site visits over the course of a four year accreditation term.
    • An internationally recognized leader for quality of life for people with disabilities and people with mental illness, and the people, organizations and communities who support them.

For more information:

CQL Training This link is provided for your information only. The ministry does not provide funding for participation at these events.

Contact Information

COA Contact Information

Tobi Harrington Murch, Canadian Liaison
11th Floor, 120 Wall Street
New York NY 10005 USA

Tel: 207 361-4031
Fax: 212 797-1428
Toll-free: 1 866 262-8088

E-mail: tmurch@coanet.org
COA Email: coanet@aol.com
Web site: www.coanet.org

CARF Contact Information

CARF Canada
Dan Stavert, Chief Advisor
The Phipps-McKinnon Bldg.
1400 10020 – 101a Ave.
Edmonton AB  T5J 3G2

Tel: 780 429-2538
Fax: 780 426-7274
Toll Free: 1 877 434-5444

CARF International
6951 E. Southpoint Rd.
Tucson Arizona 85756 USA

Tel: 520 325-1044
Fax: 520 318-1129
Toll-free: 1 888 281-6531

E-mail: webmaster@carf.org
Web site: www.carf.org

CQL
Holly Morrison
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
100 West Road, Suite 300
Towson, Maryland 21204
Tel: 502 749-2210

Email: hmorrison@thecouncil.org
Website: www.c-q-l.org