Encouraging Volunteerism from Staff: A COA Case Study
At COA, volunteerism is the thread that binds us together and allows us to carry out our mission. Whether
READ MORECalling All Social Workers! Tools to Share the Importance of Your Work
A big thank you to Greg Wright from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for this guest post! Social work is a life-affirming and rewarding career field. It’s also one of the fastest growing in the nation, with over 100,000
READ MOREProfiles in Accreditation: Lad Lake
Welcome to the first in a new series of blog posts entitled Profiles in Accreditation! The organizations that COA accredits are diverse in both the communities they serve and their reasons for seeking accreditation (or
READ MOREThe Benefits of Organizational Accreditation
It is no secret that the Council on Accreditation (COA) believes in what we do. We promote best practices and help our organizations to implement them with the aim that clients across the social services field will get the best possible quality of
READ MOREWhat is the Role of the COA Accreditation Coordinator?
Accreditation is a journey. One with a clear destination, but a less defined path. There are mile markers along the way; however, there isn’t necessarily one straight, easy road to the finish line. Is there a recommended route? Are there any
READ MOREData – Can We Call It Salvation?
It is comforting to believe we know ourselves, our community, the universe, and our place in it. How else could we get out of bed every morning? That said, we must admit that much of our knowledge is inherited or built on an imperfect (and
READ MORESupport Evidence Based and Trauma-Informed Care for Undocumented Migrant Children
When the Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R.253) was passed, it recognized that the best placement for children is in the least restrictive setting. This is also true for undocumented children in the custody of the Office of Refugee
READ MOREChicago House: Applying the Philosophy of Harm Reduction
Thank you to Avi Rudnick, JD, MSW of Chicago House for this guest post! In the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S., nearly 100 activists met at the historic Baton Show Lounge to address the dire need for housing for Chicagoans
READ MORE3 Tips for Maintaining Outcomes Integrity in Behavioral Health
A big thank you to Tristan Keelan of TenEleven Group for this guest post! The Behavioral Health field is undergoing a data revolution where electronic capture of daily activity is expected to produce reports that demonstrate, among other things,
READ MOREUnderstanding the Impact of Social Determinants of Health
If someone were to rate their wellness level, their first instinct might be to measure their physical or mental health against common indicators, such as the presence of an illness or injury. These markers are a good place to start, but one’s
READ MORE