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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  COMMUNITY

A specific group of people living in the same locality and who may share a common culture, values, and norms. Communities can also be defined by race, religion, ethnicity, age, occupation, political status, tribal affiliation, interest in particular problems or outcomes, or other common bonds. The term "community" encompasses worksites, schools, tribes, residential neighborhoods, business districts, recreational areas, and health and human service sites.
 
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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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  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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  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.
 
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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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  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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  FAMILY

Two or more people who consider themselves family and who assume obligations, functions, and responsibilities generally essential to healthy family life. Child care and child socialization, income support, long-term care, and other caregiving are among the functions of family life. The definition of "family" will rest with an individual's indication of who plays a family member role, including current or former foster family, adoptive family, extended family members, fictive kin, or significant others. Organizations that believe family is the central constellation in a child's life, and that family attachments are of primary importance for human development, will strive to work with professional staff to develop a common understanding of "family."
 
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  CLINICAL

The study, assessment, and diagnosis of the client situation followed by direct treatment to help the client achieve prescribed goals.
 
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  ASSESSMENT

An evaluation, which utilizes professional expertise and skills in the collection and analysis of data to understand and describe the nature of service needs of an individual, family, or group. Assessment, as in needs assessment, is also used to determine priorities of program planning and service development for the organization as a whole. See also DIAGNOSIS.
 
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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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  PLANNING

The process of specifying objectives, evaluating the means for their achievement, and exercising deliberate decision making about appropriate courses of action.
 
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  MONITORING

An evaluation involving a periodic review of consumer services, organizational activities, or conduct. Specifically, monitoring is an activity of case coordination, whereas more broadly, monitoring is an evaluation technique used in overall quality assurance.
 
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  CASE REVIEW

A regular and periodic examination of a consumer's service needs, service delivery goals and objectives, intervention plans, prognoses, and the timelines required to achieve them. The direct service provider and supervisor frequently conduct the case review, but it may also involve others, as in an interdisciplinary or inter-organizational case conference. The client, or the parent or legal guardian in the case of a minor, are included in his/her periodic case review by the team.
 
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  NEEDS ASSESSMENT

An initial survey undertaken to determine the special service needs of a defined population.
 
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  DIAGNOSIS

The process by which a social, physical, or mental health problem and its underlying cause are identified and a plan of action formulated toward resolution of the problem. The diagnostic process involves collection and analysis of relevant information. See also ASSESSMENT.
 
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  SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

The theoretical framework that describes and explains an organization's approach to service.
 
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  PRACTICE

Established actions or ways of proceeding in the regular performance of organizational duties. Policies and procedures often guide practice.
 
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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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  INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM

A group of persons from different professions, disciplines, service areas, organizations, and/or personnel levels who collaborate to make decisions about and provide a range of services for the same consumer or consumer group. The service delivered would not be possible or as efficient if one organization or one professional alone provided the services.
 
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  CONTRACT

A formal written agreement between two or more parties that specifies the services, space, or products to be provided in exchange for some form of compensation. Also known as "purchase of service arrangement."
 
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  POLICY

A written statement of principles, values, or intent that provides a basis for consistent decision making and guides the actions of staff, management, and board of trustees. A policy is intentionally broad in its language and application. The following is an example of an anti-discrimination policy:

"[Organization Name] shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services."

In contrast, a procedure is a detailed, step-by-step description of a process. It tells the reader how to do something. Generally, policies are implemented through procedures. For example, the above anti-discrimination policy would require a detailed grievance procedure in order to operationalize it within an organization.

The governing body has the fiduciary responsibility for setting organizational policy. Therefore, policies must be approved and periodically reviewed by the organization's governing body. However, the governing body typically delegates (via policy) the responsibility for policy development to management. In owner-operated for-profit companies, the owner can act as the company's governing body, depending on the company's corporate structure.

In a public agency the responsibility for setting and reviewing policies may belong to the agency's management team, elected officials, another governmental agency, or as is often the case, a combination of the above.

 
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  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.
 
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  WORKLOAD

The amount of work assigned to or expected from a person within a specified period of time. See also CASELOAD.
 
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  CASE CLOSING

A voluntary or involuntary process which occurs when an organization no longer assumes responsibility for providing services to a particular individual, group, or family. Also known as "termination" or "discharge."
 
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  AFTERCARE

Additional services provided beyond the period of primary care that offer continuity and supportive follow-up.
 
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  PROGRAM PERSONNEL

All direct service and administrators or supervisors of direct services that are involved in the operation of the organization's social service programs. "Program personnel" does not include MIS, accounting, facilities, clerical, or other staff that are not involved in the provision or oversight of direct services.
 
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  VOLUNTEER

An individual who performs services for an organization for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered. Such service must be offered freely and without pressure or coercion, direct or implied, from an employer. If the individual is otherwise employed by the same employer for which s/he volunteers, the individual cannot volunteer to perform the same type of services that s/he is paid to perform as an employee.
 
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  JOB DESCRIPTION

Explicit obligations and specific tasks required of personnel as a condition of employment. Such descriptions are in writing and may include educational, experiential, and skill requirements associated with the job.
 
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  PSYCHOLOGIST

A qualified professional who has a doctoral degree from a program of psychology accredited by or recognized as meeting the standards set by the American Psychological Association. A master's degree in psychology is an acceptable credential for the provision of counseling services provided that licensure is attained.
 
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Residential Treatment Services
 
Private Org Public Agency  
Service Narrative (PA-RTX):
 

Part 1: Program Information

Agencies may complete one template for all programs, or a separate template that addresses each program 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. Describe any significant changes, challenges, awards received, changes in funding, or obstacles faced by the agency.

2. Provide an overview of the different program(s) being accredited under this section. The overview should describe:

  1. the programs' service philosophy and approach to delivering services;
  2. eligibility criteria;
  3. any unique programs or special services provided to specific populations;
  4. major funding streams; and
  5. any additional information referenced in the Table of Evidence.

3. If service components are provided to persons and families through contract in cooperation with other agencies or through a formal, coordinated service delivery system provide a list that identifies the providers and the services for which they are responsible. Do not include services provided by referral.

4. Provide any other information your agency would like the peer review team to know about these programs.

Attachments

  1. A list of all program sites, including the following information for each program site: a) name of program/site director; b) address; c) phone number; d) hours of operation; e) number of FTEs; f) average monthly number of clients served; and g) directions or a map to each program site from the main agency office
  2. A demographic profile of persons and families served by the program(s) being reviewed under this service section with percentages representing the following: a) racial and ethnic characteristics; b) gender; c) age; d) major religious groups; and e) major language groups. Include an explanation of how the program ensures that it is providing culturally competent services
  3. As applicable, a list of groups or classes including, for each group or class: a) the type of activity/group; b) whether the activity/group is short-term or ongoing; c) how often the activity/group is offered; d) the average number of participants per session of the activity/group, in the last month; and e) the total number of participants in the activity/group, in the last month
  4. A list of any programs that were opened, merged with other programs or services, or closed
  5. Two quarterly reports from the case record review process conducted for this service, with any related corrective action plans (See PQI 4.02/4.03)
  6. Two quarterly reports of accidents, incidents, and grievances related to this service (See RPM 2.02)
  7. All COA-approved NA Requests
  8. A list of all NAs applicable to your agency provided within the standards

Part 2: Program Outputs and Outcomes

Provide a response in each box describing how the program is making progress toward achieving its aims, and achieving better results for participants.

1. A summary of where the agency is in the development of its program for measuring program quality and outcomes, specific to the service.

2. A list or description of program outputs and desired outcomes and any outputs and outcomes being measured including measurement tools used. Note: Program outputs may include consumer satisfaction, number of clients served, number of visits, timeliness of assessments, etc.

3. An overview of the agency's process for analyzing data.

4. Examples of program improvements made based on the outcomes data.

Attachments

  1. Outcomes measurement/data collection procedures
  2. Outcomes results reported for the previous two quarters
  3. Residential Treatment Services (PA-RTX) Grouping Chart
    Self-Study Documents On-Site Documents On-Site Activities
PA-RTX 1
Needs Based Access to Service
  • Admission criteria
  • Scope of services statement
 
  • Admission material describing items individuals can bring with them and prohibited items
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Intake personnel
 
 
PA-RTX 2
Family Connections
  • Include in Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information overview of family involvement activities, requirements, and opportunities throughout the course of treatment
 
  • Family handbook, clinical, or educational example material describing family involvement activities, requirements, and opportunities
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents and family members
  • Review case records
 
 
PA-RTX 3
Assessment
  • Assessment procedures
  • Interdisciplinary assessment tools and/or criteria including mental health, substance use and trauma screening
 
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records for individualized strengths based assessments
 
 
PA-RTX 4
Service Planning and Monitoring
   
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
 
 
PA-RTX 5
Child and Youth Permanency
  • Description of permanency planning process that supports timely goal setting and achievement
 
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records
 
 
PA-RTX 6
Service Philosophy, Modalities, and Interventions
  • Procedures related to use of non-traditional or unconventional practices, as applicable
  • Table of contents of training curricula, as applicable
  • Policies for prohibited interventions
 
  • Documentation of training
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records
 
 
PA-RTX 7
Coordinated Customized Team Approach
  • Include in Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information overview of how teams align to coordinate and customize daily living, treatment, and care
 
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. An interdisciplinary team or observe team meeting
  3. Residents
  • Review case records
 
 
PA-RTX 8
Service Array
  • Include Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information overview of service and support components
 
  • Activity schedules showing opportunities for choice and options according to needs, interests, skills and functioning
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records
  • Observe the program
 
 
PA-RTX 9
Health and Dental Services
  • Overview of health resources, related procedures, and oversight
 
  • Health screening, assessment and education material
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records
  • Verify employment of physician either directly or via contract
 
 
PA-RTX 10
Education Services
  • Opportunities and enrollment procedures for residents with education goals
  • Procedures for coordination with community-based education programs
 
  • Individual education plans
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records for education goals and plan
  • Contact community education programs that serve residents
 
 
PA-RTX 11
Preparation for Community Membership
  • Include in Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information description of opportunities for residents to prepare for community membership
 
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
 
 
PA-RTX 12
Services for Substance Use Conditions
  • List of substance use resources and services continuum
 
  • Documentation of residents with co-occurring conditions
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records
 
 
PA-RTX 13
Special Risk Population
  • Include in Service Narrative Part 1: Program Information description of special risk populations and services
 
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records
 
 
PA-RTX 14
Residential Facilities
   
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Observe facility
 
 
PA-RTX 15
Privacy Provisions
  • Privacy policy and procedures
 
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Observe facility
 
 
PA-RTX 16
Care and Supervision
  • Resident/personnel care and supervision ratios
  • Supervision and scheduling criteria
  • Criteria and procedures used to assign and evaluate workloads
 
  • Resident/personnel care and supervision coverage schedules for the past year
  • Workload data for direct care personnel for the past six months
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  4. Review case records
 
 
PA-RTX 17
Transition from the Service System
  • Transition activities list and planning procedures
 
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records
 
 
PA-RTX 18
Case Closing and Aftercare
 
  • Procedures for determination of responsibility when third-party payments or benefits end
  • Review contract with public authority, as applicable
 
  • Interview:
  1. Program director
  2. Relevant personnel
  3. Residents
  • Review case records
 
 
PA-RTX 19
Personnel
  • Program staffing chart that includes lines of supervision
  • List of program personnel that includes:
  1. name
  2. title
  3. degree held and/or other credentials
  4. FTE or volunteer
  5. length of service at the agency
  6. time in current position
 
 
  • Interview:
  1. Supervisors
  2. Personnel
  • Review personnel files
  • Verify employment or contract with psychiatrist, psychologist, and other professionals
 
 
   
 
Fundamental Practice Standards:
  Essential Life and Safety Health and Welfare Client Rights
PA-RTX 3.01,  PA-RTX 3.03,  PA-RTX 6.03,  PA-RTX 6.04,  PA-RTX 8.05,  PA-RTX 9.01,  PA-RTX 16.04,  PA-RTX 19.03  PA-RTX 1.04,  PA-RTX 2.03,  PA-RTX 3.05,  PA-RTX 3.06,  PA-RTX 4.01,  PA-RTX 6.02,  PA-RTX 7.03,  PA-RTX 9.04,  PA-RTX 9.05,  PA-RTX 9.06,  PA-RTX 16.01,  PA-RTX 16.02,  PA-RTX 19.05  PA-RTX 15.01,  PA-RTX 15.02,  PA-RTX 15.03,  PA-RTX 15.04,  PA-RTX 15.05