Accreditation
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Agencies we fund that deliver case management services must be accredited through a process facilitated by the Canadian Accreditation Council.
The purpose of accreditation is to:
- assist programs in becoming better service providers;
- enhance delivery;
- provide programs with a strong foundation to build on, and
- provide organizations with professional and public recognition of their achievements.
The CHF Case Management Standards Manual – 2024 Edition sets out the standards and process for accreditation. It ensures that agencies deliver a consistent quality of care to people in our Housing First programs, and that agencies implement best practices for their case management services.
Accreditation means that our funded agencies meet the expectations set by Calgary Homeless Foundation in the programs and services they provide to people experiencing homelessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do programs have to be accredited?
Research supports that programs which use accreditation to assess service delivery are more able to provide quality assurance, consistent practice and positive outcomes while learning and growing as part of the experience.
What’s the purpose of accreditation?
The purpose of accreditation is to assist programs in becoming better service providers, enhance service delivery, provide programs a strong foundation to build on and provide organizations with both professional and public recognition of their achievements.
Who has to be accredited?
Any program funded by Calgary Homeless Foundation that provides case management services must be accredited, in accordance with our Case Management Standards.
How were the standards developed?
Calgary Homeless Foundation engaged in a comprehensive 18-month process to develop these standards. We conducted interviews with community, experts, and people with lived or living experiences of homelessness. We also reviewed relevant literature, including case management standards from other disciplines, to determine the best practices in case management for a homelessness context.
Programs funded by Calgary Homeless Foundation are contractually obligated to adhere to these standards. However, we encourage other programs working with people experiencing homelessness to adopt these standards as well to ensure consistent and standardized processes across the system.
I am an agency seeking accreditation. How do I apply?
To apply, simply visit the CHF website at https://calgaryhomeless.com/agencies/accreditation/ to find the application form or visit http://www.canadianaccreditation.ca/accreditation-process/apply/ to download a copy of the application. Once you have filled out the application, please forward the completed form to the Canadian Accreditation Council by mail or email at:
Canadian Accreditation Council
Suite 203 – 9080 25 Ave. SW
Edmonton, AB T6X 2H4
Email: admin@cacohs.com
What are the next steps?
Once the application has been completed and submitted to the Canadian Accreditation Council, a staff member from the council will contact you to develop the Accreditation Work Plan, provide necessary documentation, and ensure you are aware of the available supports.
Who pays for accreditation?
Calgary Homeless Foundation has entered into a contract with Canadian Accreditation Council to provide accreditation services for the Case Management Programs funded by us.
The fixed costs of accreditation will be paid for by Calgary Homeless Foundation. However, some additional costs will be the responsibility of the programs undergoing accreditation.
Is there anything I have to pay for?
Programs will be responsible for additional fees incurred, including:
- Withdrawal fees
- Package fees if the staff of the Canadian Accreditation Council is required to re-organize or vet any documentation provided
- Appeals
- Interest associated with late fees
Is there someone who can help me with the process?
Canadian Accreditation Council staff are always willing to help any program with questions relating to the process or standards. For any questions, your first point of contact is Sidney Gill, your Support Coordinator.
Sidney Gill
Calgary Accreditation Support Coordinator
Direct: 403-993-6684
sgill@cacohs.com
Additional Resources
Contacting the Canadian Accreditation Council
If you have any questions or wish to request a copy of the Standards, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
Main Office
Suite 203 9080 25 Avenue SW
Edmonton, AB, T6X 2H4
Main Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm (Mountain Time)
Toll Free: 1-888-222-1248
Phone: 780-424-4498
Fax: 780-425-4828
Primary Contact:
Sharon Campbell
Calgary Accreditation Support Coordinator
Direct: 708-908-7630
scampbell@cacohs.com
Chris Mahoney
Chief Executive Officer
Direct: 780-424-4498 ext. 201
cmahoney@cacohs.com
CONTACT US
Calgary Homeless Foundation
Calgary House
Suite 1100, 550 6 Ave. SW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0S2
Ph: (403) 237-6456
Fax: (403) 262-2924
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