SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.		  
close
  ACCREDITATION

The formal evaluation of an organization against accepted criteria or standards. A professional society, non-governmental organization, or a governmental agency may conduct accreditation activities. A COA-accredited organization has undergone a period of rigorous self-study and is capable of providing programs and services that meet or exceed COA standards.		  
close
  CERTIFICATION

Assurance from a state or professional association that a person or organization possesses certain attributes, knowledge, or skills. 		 
close
  PERSONNEL

The body of employees and/or volunteers that carries out the organization's tasks under the organization's administration and/or supervision. This definition does not include foster parents who are specifically referenced in relevant standards		  
close
  PROCEDURES

Written instructions that outline the steps for performing a task(s) or operationalizing an administrative or service delivery process. A procedure can be written as a step-by-step set of instructions or as a narrative description of a process. A procedure tells someone how to do something not just what to do.

Unlike policies, procedures do not need to be approved or reviewed by the governing body, and need not be associated with a specific policy. For example, whereas a broad anti-discrimination policy requires grievance or other procedures in order to be operationalized within an organization, assessment procedures do not require a governing body approved assessment policy.

Note: Procedures are sometimes referred to as administrative policies.

  
close
  INTAKE

The client's entry point for services at which eligibility is assessed against established criteria and a preliminary evaluation of the presenting problem occurs.		  
close
  SUPERVISION

Assumption of responsibility for directly overseeing and evaluating the work or work products of personnel within an organization. Also includes inspecting the act or process of accomplishing a function or activity.		  
close
  PROGRAM

A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.		  
close
  CASE

A general term used to designate clients (including individuals, families, and groups) served by an organization for purposes of monitoring the provision of services. A foster care case is generally based on the placement of an individual child, although casework for the child may include services to the child's family. A child protective services case is based on an entire family household if a family assessment model is used; otherwise a case is defined as a child.		  
close
COA
USER:  PASS:  LOG IN         
SEARCH:    GO
 
Print
 
Wilderness and Adventure-Based Therapeutic Outdoor Services
  
Private Org Public Agency  

WT 14: Activity Technical and Safety Requirements

 
The organization considers safety and technical requirements, competence of leaders, and the abilities of participants when engaging in potentially demanding activities.
Interpretation: The activities listed below do not have to be certified or accredited by a recognized authority to achieve COA accreditation. However, organizations that choose to be certified to provide any of the activities listed below, can submit proof of certification as evidence of implementation for WT 14.

Note: An organization that engages in any of the following activities meets associated federal or state safety and technical requirements:

  1. initiative and problem-solving activities;
  2. orienteering;
  3. hiking or backpacking;
  4. camping;
  5. group expeditions;
  6. archery
  7. environmental projects;
  8. running;
  9. bicycle touring;
  10. remote travel;
  11. flat water canoeing, kayaking, or rafting;
  12. sailing;
  13. cross-country skiing;
  14. ropes courses, climbing towers, and artificial wall climbing; and
  15. other activities with a limited degree of percieved or actual risk for which its personnel are appropriately prepared.

WT 14.01

 

Before initiation of an activity, the organization:

  1. orients personnel to the terrain, sites, or waterways that will be used;
  2. verifies that personnel have direct experience with, and up-to-date information about, the conditions that may be encountered; and
  3. provides participants with complete information about geographic boundaries for the activity, rendezvous times and places, and emergency procedures.

WT 14.02

 
The organization evaluates potentially demanding activities for level of difficulty and undertakes only those within the competence of the leaders and the abilities of participants.

WT 14.03

 
When the activity involves travel or movement, participants receive instruction in pacing, fluid intake, clothing and footwear, equipment, and possible hazards.
Interpretation: Activities addressed in this standard may include hiking, running, climbing, canoeing, bicycle touring, or similar pursuits.

WT 14.04

 

Participants and personnel use protective gear and equipment as appropriate, including:

  1. personal flotation devices (Type III) for water activities;
  2. location devices and reflectors for dusk and night activities;
  3. helmets for biking, climbing, caving, or other appropriate activities; and
  4. other protective gear and equipment as appropriate to the activity to be undertaken.

WT 14.05

 
As applicable to the activities, the organization maintains clear guidelines and trains personnel and participants on safely building and extinguishing fires.
related TS 1,  TS 2

WT 14.06

 

Ropes courses, alpine or climbing towers, and artificial wall climbing activities meet the following requirements:

  1. the facilities and equipment used have been constructed by or are under the supervision of recognized experts in the field;
  2. personnel have been trained by recognized experts in the field and have a working knowledge of ropes course and climbing equipment elements, technology, construction, usage and inspection; and
  3. appropriate inspection and safety procedures have been fully implemented.
related TS 1,  TS 2
Interpretation: COA does not approve, certify, or accredit ropes courses, alpine or climbing towers, or artificial wall climbing programs. The organization must seek independent review by recognized experts for that purpose. The organization’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of participants and personnel. Therefore, WT 14.06 applies both to facilities owned or operated by the organization, and those used by the organization’s participants but owned and operated by others. In all cases, the organization must provide authoritative information regarding compliance with accepted standards for special program components.
NA The organization does not offer ropes courses, alpine or climbing towers, or artificial-wall climbing activities.
QUICK JUMP TO
Top
 
PURPOSE: Youth who participate in Wilderness and Adventure-based Therapeutic Outdoor Services expand individual capabilities, develop self-confidence and insight, ameliorate symptoms, and improve interpersonal skills and relationships.
 
RELATED FILES