This option is highly recommended for facilities and agencies that are new to the accreditation process and for facilities that feel a need for special technical assistance prior to the audit. Under the provisions of this optional contract, a pre-audit is scheduled by an ACA staff member and conducted by an ACA auditor. At the agency's request and expense, on-site accreditation orientation is also available. The objective of the orientation is to adequately prepare agency staff to complete the requirements of accreditation, including an understanding of self-evaluation activities, compilation of documentation, audit procedures, and standards interpretations. Agency familiarity with standards and accreditation is the key factor in determining the need for these services.
Accreditation is a correctional administrator's most valuable tool for team building.
More than anything else, I think accreditation has helped us to understand that what one program had, we all had. What you really want is a system, not separate and distinct entities. Accreditation helped us get there.