CARF's Mission, Vision, Core Values & PurposesCommission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation FacilitiesCARFWho we are -- Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services in the following areas: * Aging Services * Behavioral Health * Opioid Treatment Programs * Business and Services Management Networks * Child and Youth Services * Employment and Community Services * Vision Rehabilitation * Medical Rehabilitation * DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) The CARF family of organizations currently accredits close to 50,000 programs and services at more than 22,000 locations. More than 8 million persons of all ages are served annually by more than 6,500 CARF-accredited service providers. CARF accreditation extends to countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.CARF Board of DirectorsStructure of CARF -- Eleven elected members of the CARF Board of Directors approve policies regarding standards development and the accreditation process and fiscal matters governing the operation of CARF. The board's composition reflects individuals whose expertise, experience, and perspectives are invaluable to CARF's business interests and success:Kayda JohnsonBoard Chair, Solana Beach, CaliforniaSusanne M. Bruyère, Ph.D., CRCIthaca, New York Thomas J. Buckley, Ed.D.Hollywood, FloridaKaren ChastainScottsdale, Arizona Richard ForkoshManchester, MissouriMarvin MashnerWest Point, PennsylvaniaPaul Nathenson, RN, NDLincoln, Nebraska D. Sharon OsborneSeattle, WashingtonRobert H. ShortSalt Lake City, UtahSherry WheelockClermont, FloridaHerb Zaretsky, Ph.D.New York City, New YorkCARF Canada CARF Canada is governed by a board of directors:Brian J. BoonBoard Chair, Ph.D., Tucson, Arizona H. Stanley Eichenauer, M.S.W., M.Div.Dayton, OhioInternational Advisory Council (IAC)CARF also benefits from national associations and individuals joining together in support of the value of accreditation through membership in the International Advisory Council (IAC). These member associations and individuals represent a broad range of expertise and specialties. They support CARF's mission, vision, core values, and purposes by providing input on standards and related matters... International Advisory Council The International Advisory Council (IAC) creates a partnership for CARF and IAC members to promote quality in human services and enhance the lives of persons served. The IAC is a forum for its members to provide guidance and input into standards development and the accreditation process and also provide insight on issues affecting the fields in which CARF provides accreditation services. CARF’s IAC represents a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including persons served, providers, and professionals, in the health and human services field. IAC members support CARF's mission, purposes, values, and vision. CARF is pleased to include the following organizations as members of IAC:AARP American Academy of Neurology American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons American Academy of Pain Medicine American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation American Congress of Community Supports and Employment Services American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine American Hospital AssociationAmerican Kinesiotherapy Association, Inc. American Music Therapy Association, Inc. American Network of Community Options and Resources American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. American Physical Therapy Association American Psychological AssociationAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing Association American Therapeutic Recreation Association Assisted Living Federation of America Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Brain Injury Association of America, Inc. Case Management Society of America Child Welfare League of AmericaChildren's Home Society of America Department of Veterans Affairs Easter Seals, Inc. Goodwill Industries International, Inc. International Association of Jewish Vocational ServicesLeadingAge Mental Health Corporations of America, Inc. National Adult Day Services Association National Association of Social Workers National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare Paralyzed Veterans of America SourceAmerica United Cerebral Palsy Associations United Spinal Association U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association CARF IAC Individual MembersCARF is pleased to have the following individuals as members of its IAC:Peter C. AshendenChicago, Illinois Bruce ChristensenGlenwood Springs, ColoradoStanley H. Ducharme, Ph.D. Boston, MassachusettsCynthia H. DunnCleveland, OhioCathy Ellis, PTWashington, D.C.Cheryl Gagne, Sc.D., CRCBoston, MassachusettsThrough responsiveness to a dynamic and diverse environment, CARF serves as a catalyst for improving the quality of life of the persons served.To promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served.DignityCore values -- CARF believes in the following core values: All people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. All people should have access to needed services that achieve optimum outcomes. All people should be empowered to exercise informed choice.RespectOutcomesEmpowerment Informed ChoiceIntegrityCARF's accreditation, research, continuous improvement services, and educational activities are conducted in accordance with these core values and with the utmost integrity.Continuous ImprovementIn addition, CARF is committed to: * The continuous improvement of both organizational management and service delivery. * Diversity and cultural competence in all CARF activities and associations. * Enhancing the involvement of persons served in all of CARF's activities. * Persons served being active participants in the development and application of standards of accreditation. * Enhancing the meaning, value, and relevance of accreditation to persons served.Diversity Cultural CompetenceInvolvementParticipationAccreditationStandardsDevelop and maintain current, field-driven standards that improve the value and responsiveness of the programs and services delivered to people in need of life enhancement services.1RecognitionRecognize organizations that achieve accreditation through a consultative peer-review process and demonstrate their commitment to the continuous improvement of their programs and services with a focus on the needs and outcomes of the persons served.2Accreditation ResearchConduct accreditation research emphasizing outcomes measurement and management, and to provide information on common program strengths as well as areas needing improvement.3Consultation, Education, Training & PublicationsProvide consultation, education, training, and publications that support organizations in achieving and maintaining accreditation of their programs and services.4Information & EducationProvide information and education to persons served and other stakeholders on the value of accreditation.5Input & ResponseSeek input and to be responsive to persons served and other stakeholders.6Improvement ServicesProvide continuous improvement services to improve the outcomes for organizations and the persons served and their community of influence.72013-07-13http://www.carf.org/About/Mission/OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net