NEWS! The Western Steps to Recovery Society has recently been CARF accredited by The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. To learn more about CARF, visit the Commission's web site at www.carf.org.

Our CARF Accreditation Results

In keeping with our dedication to excellence, the Western Steps to Recovery Society applied earlier this year (2001) for CARF accreditation. The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission's experts surveyed the Society and our program of recovery, before submitting a report commending us for a variety of exemplary practices. As the result, CARF awarded us their Certificate of Accreditation for the maximum three-year accreditation period (until August 2004).

The survey was completed by experts in the field of drug and alcohol recovery. In their report, they gave us an exemplary rating in several areas. This means that Turning Point can be used as an example by CARF when their surveyors demonstrate the following "best practices" at future CARF conferences:

• We collaborate with medical agencies on infectious disease control.
• We have excellent relations with other agencies involved in addiction services.
• We have an excellent "Relationship Contract" whereby clients agree to the proposed program of recovery.
• The medical advisor to our program is knowledgeable and serves as a valuable asset to both clients and staff.
• Clients are encouraged to set up and involve themselves with community support through the twelve-step fellowships.
• During interviews it became apparent that our staff is our strength. Of five health care workers interviewed, four were adamant that the Turning Point staff is what makes us great.

In addition to the exemplary ratings above, we were also commended for the following aspects of our operations:

• We have good financial management and budgeting skills.
• Our staff are committed individuals who obviously care about clients and past clients.
• Our staff are skilled in teaching the twelve steps to recovery.
• We have a positive reputation with other service providers.
• The Board of Directors is actively involved with the program's operations, and proactive in its efforts to be financially independent.

On a more personal note, the CARF experts came back to us with a few of the outstanding things that some of our past clients said of us during the interview process:

• I felt safe from the moment I arrived.
• I saw hope return for me and others.
• Exactly what I needed—unqualified acceptance.
• There were moments of feeling like I was bathed in light.