Army Reserve Council on Accreditation visits 108th

Photo By Master Sgt. Brian Hamilton | The 108th Training Command (IET) Army Reserve Family Programs was one of two units selected by USARC’s Council on Accreditation for the Family Programs Accreditation pilot program.  

CHARLOTTE, NC, UNITED STATES

12.10.2014

Story by Master Sgt. Deborah Williams 

108th Training Command- Initial Entry Training

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The 3rd Medical Command and the 108th Training Command (IET) Army Reserve Family Programs were the first sites selected by USARC’s Council on Accreditation Family Programs Accreditation pilot program. Accreditation is one of the means by which the agency strives to champion quality of services.

“These two units were identified by USARC to be the pilots based on previous expertise in the accreditation process. After using it with the Active Army Component, we are now bringing it to the table with the Army Reserve to make it a better process,” said Patricia Hollis, Family Programs Director for 3rd MEDCOM Deployment Support.

Military Family Program Accreditation includes the accreditation of family readiness services provided to active duty, Reserve and National Guard service members and their dependents. MFR program accreditation was developed in collaboration with the Department of Defense and in consultation with military and other national human service experts and professionals.

“The COA shows solidarity of support throughout the command. The senior volunteer is at the highest level to provide oversight as the manager for Family Programs to partnership with the 3rd MEDCOM and the 108th Training Command,” said Howard J. Henderson, Family Program Director for the United States Army Reserve Command.

“The critical piece for Lt. Gen. Talley and Mrs. [Linda] Talley is the USARC creditors to be a part of the USARC accreditations because it validates Family Programs and how they serve Soldiers and Families. That is why Mrs. [Linda] Talley is here, along with OSD, to oversee the process and the way forward for the future of the Army Reserve Family and how they work their programs with Soldiers and family,” Henderson explained.

The Council on Accreditation partners with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying, and promoting accreditation standards. It envisions excellence in the delivery of human services globally, resulting in the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

The Standards for Military Family Programs are divided into three parts:

 -Administration and Management Standards
 -Service Delivery Administration Standards
 -Service Standards

Programs must demonstrate implementation of both the Administration and Management and the Service Delivery Administration Standards because they encompass aspects of operations that apply to all programs regardless of the services provided. Additionally, programs must demonstrate implementation of specific Service Standards that reflect the services it provides.

The Council on Accreditation is an international, independent, nonprofit, human service accrediting organization. Founded in 1977 by the Child Welfare League of America and Family Service America (now the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities), their mission is to partner with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying, and promoting accreditation standards.

The Council on Accreditation’s Military and Family Program Accreditation is the only accreditation process and standards that were developed in collaboration with the Department of Defense and consultation with military and other national human service experts and professionals to reflect the unique programming of military Family Programs.

“This accreditation is part of the regulation, Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI). By asking for accreditation from an outside dealer sends a message to Congress that we are serious about Family Programs serving the Soldier,” Howard said.

The Council on Accreditation accredits more than 2,200 organizations and programs serving more than seven million individuals and families. Standards development is a continuous process that relies on an inclusive, consensus building methodology to ensure the standards remain relevant in an ever-changing field.

The Family Programs is an important part of the military and it is obvious at the 108th Training Command (IET).

“Maj. Gen. Purser sends a great message to the Soldiers and families in this command. As you walk through the door, you can see Family Programs. It is in a perfect location for the unit, instant accessibility, not hidden or out of site. Not all units do that. For me to walk right in and go to the Family Programs is phenomenal,” Talley said.

• Date Taken: 12.10.2014
• Date Posted: 12.19.2014 09:03
• Story ID: 150723
• Location: CHARLOTTE, NC, US