Family Support Institute (FSI)
CARF Accreditation Survey FAQ
What is CARF Accreditation?
CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) is an international, independent accrediting body that sets standards for quality service in health and human services. Accreditation demonstrates FSI’s commitment to continuous improvement, accountability, and providing high-quality services to families and individuals seeking support.
Why is FSI undergoing a CARF accreditation survey?
CARF accreditation helps ensure that FSI meets best practices in governance, service delivery, and community engagement. It validates the effectiveness of our programs and reinforces our credibility with stakeholders, including families, volunteers, staff, funders, and government partners.
How does accreditation benefit families and individuals seeking support?
Accreditation ensures that FSI provides reliable, high-quality peer-support services. It strengthens our ability to offer consistent, person-centered support while advocating for the needs of families across BC. Families can trust that our services meet rigorous quality standards.
What does accreditation mean for FSI's volunteer Resource Parents?
Our volunteer Resource Parents are central to our work. CARF accreditation highlights the
importance of their role and ensures they receive structured training, guidance, and recognition. Accreditation affirms the credibility of our peer mentorship model and strengthens our ability to support our volunteers effectively.
How does accreditation impact FSI staff?
CARF accreditation provides a framework for staff development, clear policies, and an improved work environment. It enhances consistency in service delivery, clarifies roles and expectations, and ensures FSI follows best practices in human resources, professional development, and ethical standards.
What does accreditation mean for the FSI Board of Directors?
For our Board, accreditation affirms FSI’s commitment to governance excellence, accountability, and strategic planning. It ensures that the Board operates within a strong framework for decision-making, risk management, and organizational sustainability.
How does CARF accreditation impact our community partners?
Accreditation reinforces FSI’s reputation as a high-quality service provider and trusted partner. It assures community organizations that FSI adheres to best practices, promoting stronger collaboration and alignment with shared goals.
What are the benefits of accreditation for funders and government partners?
CARF accreditation demonstrates that FSI is a responsible steward of funding and committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. This reinforces trust with funders and government agencies, strengthening our ability to secure long-term support for our programs.
Will there be any changes to FSI’s services due to accreditation?
The core of what we do remains the same—providing peer support and advocacy to families. However, accreditation ensures we continually refine our services, policies, and processes to better meet the needs of our stakeholders.
How can stakeholders support FSI during the CARF accreditation process?
We encourage all stakeholders to stay engaged and provide feedback on your experiences with FSI, in the spirit of continuous improvement and quality assurance. Your insights help us improve our services and demonstrate the impact of our work.
