Over the last two months we have continued to work very hard towards our deadline of a CARF Site Survey in April 2004.  Obtaining a three year accreditation certificate from CARF will provide us with proof that we are providing quality services for the people we support, helping us to maintain and strengthen our mission statement of “Working for a community for all”.

 Since October we have fine-tuned our policies and procedures and we continue to provide training and education on their use.  A day was set aside to train the relief workers in the Supported and Independent Living Homes.   We were able to release our new policy binders in time to meet CARF’s expectation of having six months of implementation of new policies. 

Members of the CARF sub-committees were invited to form new Program Advisory Committees for our Supported Living, Independent Living and Community Based Services Program(s).  Those working on Performance Improvement Standards have formed the new Quality Assurance Committee. The committees are made up of people we support, family members and advocates, program employees, board members, funders, health professionals and others. 

People we support in the Community Based Services, Supported and Independent Living Programs have received their Program Handbooks.  We are in the process of reviewing important aspects of the handbook, such as Rights and Responsibilities, our complaints procedure and how to access information, with each person.  The Handbooks are now available on audio tape as well.

 The Quality Assurance Plan, including the outcomes system is being implemented.  Health and Safety Maintenance Checks and Emergency Plan Test Drills have been started at each site. The first Quarterly Quality Assurance Report will be completed and presented to the Quality Assurance Committee in January 2004. 

The CARF application form was submitted  for a site survey in April/May and we are planning a Mock Survey in January 2004.  The results of the Mock Survey will determine how much additional work will need to be done before the surveyors arrive.

 Once again, the energy and enthusiasm of so many is greatly appreciated.  I wish you all a very happy and restful holiday season.  I look forward to working with you again in the new year.  We are nearing our goal and the journey has been a wonderful one.

Margot Beauchamp

Accreditation Manager

604-904-4087