We are delighted to report that Chapel Haven Schleifer Center has once again received a three-year accreditation from CARF International, confirming that our organization meets rigorous, internationally recognized, person-centered standards for quality, safety, and continuous improvements in serving adults with disabilities.
“This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards,” CARF wrote in a letter of award. “An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.”
The approval extends through Feb. 8, 2029.
In the executive summary, the reviewers praised CHSC as “a mission and vision-driven organization that provides highly valued services to students…The leadership team is forward thinking and able to pivot to address the changing needs of the students and to specifically focus on the needs of the aging population.”
CHSC President Michael Storz said he is proud that CHSC continues to meet CARF’s highest international benchmarks of excellence. “This designation confirms that we are committed to continual improvement. Every three years, we seek CARF accreditation as an opportunity to be independently reviewed by experts in our field. Going through such a rigorous peer review process helps us confirm that we are on the right track in offering programs and services of the highest quality. Thank you to Sherry Robitaille, Vice President of Compliance, and our entire team for achieving this milestone.” CHSC has been CARF accredited since 2002.
Chapel Haven has won its 9th consecutive CARF accreditation!
Click here to view the report
A team of three trained CARF surveyors reviewed CHSC over a period of three days. They reviewed curriculum, facilities, stakeholder satisfaction and more. They listed many areas of strengths for CHSC, including:
Strengths
- Strong leadership, as observed by those outside the organization. A stakeholder said, “the leadership leads by example.” Staff longevity was also cited as “exceptional…Staff members are deeply committed to making a positive, lasting impact.”
- The establishment of key committees such as CHAMP and the Committee on Aging, “exemplifying CHSC’s commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness.”
- That students/adults served by CHSC are kept at the forefront of service delivery. Staff members were observed by the CARF surveyors in a variety of settings and treated noted that they treat CHSC adults “with the utmost dignity and respect. Students demonstrated self-advocacy in knowing that the plans and goals were based on their individuals dreams and desires.”
- The launch of clinical services, ensuring wholistic care tailored to each adult served. “This model enables the organization to provide tailored behavioral health supports,” CARF wrote.
- Adults served by CHSC and their guardians feel loved and respected, reporting zero concerns about the students’ living situations or safety
- CHSC has strong partnerships in the community, including a strong array of employment and volunteer opportunities for adults with area businesses.
Areas for quality improvement
CARF noted areas for improvement:
- While emergency drills and disaster preparedness procedures are currently implemented, greater consistency in conducting these drills across all shifts and analyzing their outcomes is recommended to enhance organizational preparedness.
- Enhance written procedures that detail how student funds are safeguarded, utilized, and returned to students
- Ensure exit summaries are completed more consistently when an individual served leaves a program
ABOUT CARF
CARF is an international, nonprofit accreditor founded in 1966 that set standards of excellence for human service organizations whose programs and services cover the spectrum from youth to older adults in a variety of settings. For more information about the accreditation process, please visit the CARF website at www.carf.org.
