Skip to main content
Loading
Celebrating More Than 149 Years of Global Excellence
Cart
Toggle search
Toggle navigation
Keyword Search
Sign In
About Us
Toggle
Our History & Mission
Executive Office
ACA Leadership
Executive Committee
Board of Governors
Delegate Assembly
Our Committees
Declaration of Principles
ACA Awards
E. R. Cass Award Recipients
Current E.R. Cass Award Recipients
Code of Ethics
ACA Constitution & Bylaws
To Lead and To Serve
Membership
Toggle
Membership Benefits
Join ACA
Chapters & Affiliates
Calendar of Events
Dual Membership Chapters
Geographical Affiliates
Professional Affiliates
State Affiliates
Student Information
Student Chapters
Student Resources
Membership FAQs
Professional Development
Toggle
Onsite Training
Leadership Development Program
E-Learning
Course Catalog
Access Your Courses
Correctional Certification
Benefits & Certification Overview
Acceptance and Examination
Re-Certification
Certification Commission
Certification FAQs
Submit A Workshop
Standards & Accreditation
Toggle
About Us
Areas of Responsibility
Commission on Accreditation for Corrections
FAQs
Standards & Committees
Standards Committee
Adult Correctional Institution, 5th Edition
Restrictive Housing Committee
Use of Separation with Juveniles
Seeking Accreditation
Manual of Accreditation Policy and Procedure
Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
Auditors
Accredited Facilities
Training & Resources
Awards
Forms
Correctional Health Care
Toggle
About Health Care
In the News
Health Certifications
Types of Health Certification
Health Accreditation
Committees
Services
Resource Center
Trainings
Submit a Workshop
Conferences
Toggle
Current Conference
Future Conferences
Workshops/Trainings
Submit A Workshop
Conference Videos & Photos
Advertising Opportunities
Publications
Toggle
Publishing with ACA
Corrections Today Magazine
Submission Guidelines
CT Digital Edition
Agency & Facility Directories
FAQs
Advertising Opportunities
Marketplace
Toggle
Shop the ACA Marketplace
Books
Resale Books
E-Learning
Certification Packets
Subscriptions
Standards Books & Products
Videos & DVDs
Corrections Marketplace
Government & Public Affairs
Toggle
National Correctional Officers & Employees Week
Global Corrections
Toggle
Outreach
Training
International Standards & Accreditation
International Internship Program
International Scholarship Program
Humanitarian Container Program
ACA's International Committee
International Partners
Resources
Toggle
Healthcare Resource Center
Research Notes
Advertise With Us!
Videos & Media
Forms
Seeking Accreditation
This section is designed for agencies interested in becoming accredited by the American Correctional Association. It contains information on why agencies should choose to be accredited, the benefits of the process and ACA’s standards, testimonials from accredited agencies, accreditation costs, and information on how to begin the contracting process.
Benefits of Accreditation
Types of Accreditation
Testimonials
Contracts
Purchase
Benefits
Assessment of program strengths and weaknesses.
An ACA audit involves assessments that cover administration and management, the physical plant, institutional operations and services, and inmate programs. It also assesses issues and concerns that may affect the quality of life at a facility such as staff training, adequacy of medical services, sanitation, use of segregation and detention, incidents of violence, crowding, offender activity levels, programs, and provisions of basic services that may impact the life, safety and health of inmates, as well as staff.
Establishment of measurable criteria for upgrading operations.
Through the standards and accreditation process agencies continuously review agency policy and procedure and have the ability to make necessary improvements when deficiencies are recognized.
Performance-based benefits.
Performance-based standards provide data that can be used in the day-to-day management of the facility reducing the occurrence of significant events. Accredited agencies, such as health care facilities, will find it easier to recruit and retain health care professionals. Not only does compliance provide agencies with a cost-effective, pro-active approach to offender health care, but it can be used to justify requests for additional funding.
Improved staff training and development.
ACA accreditation requires written policy and procedures to establish a training and staff development program for all categories of personnel. The training requirements address all pre-service, in-service and specialized training curricula with clear timelines, and considers the institution's mission, physical characteristics and inmate populations. The professional growth of employees is systematically developed through training plans that annually identify current job-related training needs in relation to position requirements, current correctional issues, new theories, techniques and technologies.
Improved staff morale and professionalism.
Accreditation is awarded to the "best of the best" in the corrections field. Staff have a better understanding of policies and procedures and this contributes to improved working conditions for staff.
Safer environment for staff and offenders.
Staff, as well as offenders, benefit from increased accountability, attention to physical plant issues and security procedures. Whether a facility or program, the accreditation process ensures a clear assessment of strengths and weaknesses
Defense against lawsuits.
Accredited agencies have a stronger defense against litigation through documentation and the demonstration of a "good faith" effort to improve conditions of confinement.
Reduced liability insurance costs.
As an incentive for agencies willing to participate in ACA's national accreditation program, insurance companies offer a reduction on liability insurance premiums to accredited facilities. Adherence to nationally recognized standards for fire, safety, health and training reduce claim expenses, allowing up to a 10 percent credit on liability insurance premiums. In most cases, the resulting savings on insurance premiums more than offset the actual cost of accreditation.
No content found
No content found
No content found
No content found
Standards & Accreditation
About Us
Areas of Responsibility
Commission on Accreditation for Corrections
FAQs
Standards & Committees
Standards Committee
Revision Proposals and Comments
Adult Correctional Institution, 5th Edition
Restrictive Housing Committee
Revision Proposals and Comments
Standards Committee Meeting Sign-Up
Use of Separation with Juveniles
Seeking Accreditation
Manual of Accreditation Policy and Procedure
Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
Auditors
Accredited Facilities
Training & Resources
Awards
Forms
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##