Transform Your Organization And People's Lives

What Is Accreditation?

A common understanding of the term accreditation involves the formal recognition of an organization for attaining a specified set of standards, often viewed as merely “passing a test.” CQL’s Accreditation approach is more about being on a journey toward ongoing organizational transformation. Rather than receiving a “passing score,” it is about choosing the right path and making measurable progress. At CQL, we often say we meet organizations where they are and help them move to a better place.

Why Is Accreditation Important?

Through an open, honest, and unbiased evaluation by outside experts, accreditation equips organizations with valuable information and action steps for improvement. When organizations rely on their own internal review of operations, they may unintentionally allow the investment they have in their organization to influence their outlook. Internal review also limits an organization to its pre-existing base of knowledge, whereas accreditation aggregates best practices from other organizations.

Person-Centered Practices

The process isn’t focused on paper, it’s focused on people. Along with reviewing policies and procedures, CQL uses internationally-recognized tools to ensure that policies are playing out in supports, and more importantly, in people’s lives.

Positive Experience

CQL Accreditation is not a deficiency-driven process. We work with organizations to improve supports by applying areas of excellence to areas of improvement. We help leverage the strongest aspects of your agency for services where growth is needed.

Expert Insight

CQL’s Quality Enhancement Specialists have diverse areas of expertise and work with hundreds of organizations across the globe. They observe and experience best practices from organizations, and spread them throughout the human services field.

Holistic Transformation

The scope of other accrediting bodies can be limiting. CQL does not provide programmatic-level accreditation of specific services. CQL Accreditation encompasses an entire organization, as true transformation is predicated on change at all levels.

Data Analysis

Organizations can use data collected through CQL tools to inform their decision-making and assess the return on their investments. At an individual level, the information and data entered can also direct person-centered plans and track progress.

Ongoing Partnership

Your accreditation experience with CQL doesn’t begin and end with the first visit. CQL embraces a partnership with those that achieve CQL Accreditation throughout the entire term, offering support, guidance, resources, check-ins, and insight.