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.		  
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  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.		  
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  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.		  
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  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		  
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  CERTIFICATION

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

Instruction so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient in a skill or body of knowledge.		  
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  PEER REVIEW

An evaluation process in which professionals from similar backgrounds review the work of their associates.		  
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  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.

  
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  CASE RECORD

A written compilation that describes the client and the services delivered. Records can be in hard copy and/or electronic format. The case record can be used as a source of information for quality improvement or other evaluation activities, for research purposes, or to demonstrate accountability to funding bodies. 		 
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  CRITERIA

Systematically developed, objective, and quantifiable statements used to assess the appropriateness of specific decisions, services, and outcomes.		  
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  MEDICATION

A prescribed or over-the-counter drug that is injected, taken orally, applied topically, or otherwise administered.		  
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Outdoor Activities Supplement
  
Private Org Public Agency  
Service Narrative (PA-OAS):
  

Part 1: Activity Information

Agencies may complete one template for all activities, or a separate template that addresses each activity being reviewed under this section. Provide responses in the boxes located in the Service Narrative template.

Agencies being accredited for the first time: Please provide information for the last year.

Agencies being reaccredited: Please provide information for the period since the last accreditation review.

1. Provide an overview of each outdoor activity being accredited under this section. The overview should include:

  1. a brief description of the activity;
  2. the number of participants in each outdoor activity unit or group;
  3. adult-participant ratios for each unit or group;
  4. the age span of participants for each unit or group;
  5. a list of activity sites including a description of the setting; and
  6. the agency’s licensed capacity for each unit or group.

2. Provide a list of outdoor activities personnel that includes:

  1. name;
  2. title;
  3. job requirements; and
  4. degree held and/or other credentials, certifications, or training that demonstrate staff competency.

3. Provide any other information your agency would like the peer review team to know about these outdoor activities.

Attachments

  1. All COA-approved NA Requests
  2. A list of all NAs applicable to your agency provided within the standards
    Self-Study Documents On-Site Documents On-Site Activities
PA-OAS 1
Screening
  • Procedures for obtaining clearance for persons served to participate in the described activities
 
  • A blank consent form
 		    
PA-OAS 2
Activity Requirements
  • Include description of program activities in Service Narrative
 
  • Criteria for graduating activities to the skills and capabilities of participants
  • Procedures for pacing group activities
  • Material or procedures that address teaching skills progressively
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Individuals or families served
 		  
PA-OAS 3
Safety and Risk Management
  • Safety procedures that address the requirements of the standard
 
  • Three trip or activity plans
  • Procedures for maintaining medication and emergency and first aid supplies
  • The table of contents for safety training curricula
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
 		  
PA-OAS 4
Physical Environment
  • Environmental protection procedures
  • Personal hygiene procedures
 		  
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Individuals or families served
 		  
PA-OAS 5
Equipment Safety
  • Procedures for maintaining equipment
 		  
  • Interview:
  1. Relevant personnel
  2. Observe equipment
  • Review equipment maintenance records
 		  
PA-OAS 6
Activity Technical and Safety Requirements
  • Procedures for activity preparation, including group safety and skill level requirements
  • Guidelines regarding use of protective gear and equipment
 
  • Guidelines for safely building and extinguishing fires
  • Inspection and safety reports
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Individuals and families served
  • Review personnel files
 		  
PA-OAS 7
Supervision
  • Procedures for establishing and adjusting personnel/participant ratios
  • Procedures regarding staff assignment for activities
  • Include a list of activity personnel and their credentials in Service Narrative
 
  • Coverage schedules for a recent three- month period
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Individuals and families served
  • Review personnel files
 		  
   
 
Fundamental Practice Standards:
  Essential Life and Safety Health and Welfare Client Rights
PA-OAS 1,  PA-OAS 2.03,  PA-OAS 3.01,  PA-OAS 3.02,  PA-OAS 3.03,  PA-OAS 3.04,  PA-OAS 5.01,  PA-OAS 5.02,  PA-OAS 5.03,  PA-OAS 6.01,  PA-OAS 6.02,  PA-OAS 6.03,  PA-OAS 6.04,  PA-OAS 7.02,  PA-OAS 7.03  PA-OAS 7.01  PA-OAS 4.02