January 2011 - Three Year CARF Accreditation
BC Family Hearing Resource Society is required by the BC Government to meet internationally recognized standards of quality for the services we provide. We take pride in having been accredited since 2005, always receiving the highest possible term of 3 years. It is my pleasure to share with you results from the CARF survey that was conducted on the 9th and 10th of December, 2010. The outcome of the survey was a three year accreditation that will expire in January, 2014.
Our Organization did very well on overall performance and had three recommendations and 10 consultations from the surveyors. As an Organization, while we are expected to make changes on the recommendations, consultations are suggestions for improvement.
Two recommendations on Board Governance were to have an Executive Compensation policy and to ensure an annual self-assessment survey is completed by all Board of Directors. The third recommendation was on the Rights of the Persons Served, wherein the current rights and responsibilities document had to include the right for families to access or refer to legal entities for appropriate representation.
Some highlights of the summary provided by the surveyors were:
• BCFHRS has a sound strategy for its improvement and growth. Its future plans are based upon a blueprint developed by the strategic planning process
• The facility is built to be an ideal learning environment for children who are Deaf or hard of hearing from the design to construction with specialized acoustic features and technological aids
• The society has a positive presence in the province of British Columbia as a specialized resource with a long (over 25 years) and respected history of service to children who are Deaf or hard of hearing and their families
• A family-centered philosophy is reflected throughout the programs and services. It is evident that the families served hold the staff in high regard and report a high level of satisfaction. Interviews with families indicate that plans are based on child and family needs and that staff members assist with problem-solving service concerns and guide them in their self-advocacy efforts
• The outreach program demonstrates the organization’s willingness to be a team member with community service providers for the benefit of children outside the Lower Mainland. Staff members bring their particular expertise as a specialized speech language pathologist or teacher of the Deaf and hard of hearing to professionals in the family’s community. Families talk about feeling well connected to the Organization because of the ready availability of the experienced outreach staff. Families are often connected with other families in their region to help reduce any sense of isolation.
Our success was made possible by a team of dedicated staff, volunteer Board members, government funders, generous donors, and ALL families who believe in us! Please feel free to contact us if you would like to have a copy of the detailed survey summary report.
Noreen Simmons
Executive Director
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