CARF Canada
Since the first CARF survey in Canada in 1969, many Canadian service providers have selected CARF as their accreditor of choice in the fields of:
- Aging Services
- Behavioural Health
- Child and Youth Services
- Employment and Community Services
- Medical Rehabilitation
Incorporated in 2002 to better serve Canadian service providers, CARF Canada maintains offices in Edmonton, Alberta and Ottawa, Ontario.
Ministries recognize CARF Canada
Focusing on the needs of persons served and their communities is a strength demonstrated by CARF-accredited service providers. Several Ministries officially recognize CARF accreditation in their provinces. For example:
- Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) in British Columbia recognizes CARF for both contracted community living agencies, and child, youth, and family services.
- Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care recognizes CARF accreditation for long-term care homes.
- Alberta Ministry of Health and Wellness recognizes CARF as an accepted accrediting organization for Alberta’s health system.
- Alberta Ministry of Children and Youth Services recognizes CARF for contracted child, youth and family services.
- Alberta Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports recognizes CARF for contracted services to seniors and persons with developmental disabilities.
Additionally, the Crown Corporation, the Community Living Board of British Columbia (CLBC), and the Vancouver Coastal Region of the Ministry of Children and Family Development have chosen CARF as their accrediting body and are in the process of being accredited.
Canadian trainings and events
CARF Canada is focused on delivering outcomes training, as well as CARF 101s and 202s. CARF 101s provide an introduction to the CARF standards and survey process; 202s are of benefit to organizations that already have accredited programs, with the focus on frequently missed standards. Other trainings are also offered through our corporate offices. For more information about these training programs, please visit the Events section.
CARF Yahoo! Online support
A third-party listserv allows service providers interested in CARF Canada accreditation to post and respond to questions regarding conformance to CARF standards and communicate with one another about other aspects of accreditation. Membership is free of charge; register at groups.yahoo.com/group/carfbc.
CARF surveyors
CARF's emphasis on an international model of accreditation engages Canadian, American, European and other international representatives on site surveys. More than 100 Canadians have conducted CARF surveys. With the increase in survey requests, CARF Canada has an opportunity to recruit additional Canadian surveyors.
The benefits of becoming a surveyor include being knowledgeable about the CARF standards, having an opportunity to see first-hand other service providers in the field, and influencing standards development. If you are interested in becoming a surveyor, please visit the Jobs section.
Consultative staff
Our staff members regularly consult with service providers at various stages of the accreditation process. They offer helpful information on how to prepare for CARF accreditation. Canadian service providers are welcome to call toll free at (877) 434-5444 to discuss information and training needs.