Probation and Pretrial Accreditation What is it and how do we get started? Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission July 7, 2016
Objectives Define accreditation Discuss goals of the accreditation process Identify the benefits of being an accredited agency Discuss Commission history Provide accreditation updates Understand the Accreditation process Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Accreditation – What it is Provide standards that represent current and professional criminal justice practices Reinforces federal, state and local laws Give benchmark for agency self-evaluation Increase effectiveness and efficiency in day-to-day operations Ensure agency accountability Florida Accreditation Office
Accreditation – What it is not Not mandatory – optional process in the state of Florida Does not dictate to an agency how you accomplish your goals, mission, or delivery of services Does not tell you who you can hire, fire, or promote A rubber stamp process Florida Accreditation Office
State Accreditation meets those goals with state accepted standards The standards require agencies to: develop policies and procedures in a written format address personnel and constituency concerns determine procedures for high liability areas ensure all levels of authority are held accountable Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Benefits to Members Clearly defined lines of authority Consistency in operational procedures Current and relevant standards reflecting “best practices” in public service Ongoing awareness of advances in technology Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Benefits to Agency Strengthens the agency’s defense against lawsuits and complaints Possible reduction in insurance liability premiums and lawsuit settlements Process for discovering redundancies Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Benefits to CEO Ensures policies and procedures are documented and defendable Confident that personnel have regular, documented training Increases availability of decision-making information through analyses Positive reflection on administration and operation of agency Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
FCAC 4 Sheriffs appointed by FSA 6 Command staff level corrections professionals 1 Pretrial Services Managers appointed by APPF 1 Probation Services Manager appointed by FACC Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
History of the Commission October, 1996 – FS 951.23 amended to repeal DOC oversight of county correctional facilities, and FAC Rule 33-8 was repealed July 30, 1997 – FSA appointed a committee to develop a comprehensive accreditation program for Florida Jails February 20, 1998 – first official meeting of the FCAC February 20, 1998 – First Edition of the Standards Manual May 19, 1998 – Commission established by charter July 22, 1998 – first 11 correctional facilities are accredited Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
History of the Commission January 1, 2007 – FCAC implements the Florida Pretrial Accreditation Program June 5, 2007 – FCAC accredits the first pretrial agency in the nation February 23, 2016 – FCAC expands the pretrial accreditation program to include probation standards Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Historical Progress Correctional Facilities Pretrial Services First 11 agencies accredited July 1998 32 currently accredited 2 additional agencies in process Pretrial Services First agencies accredited June 2007 6 offices currently accredited 1 additional office in the process Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Historical Progress Probation Services First application received June 2016 Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Manual Update Fourth edition of the FCAC manual was approved at the February 2016 Commission meeting. Second edition of the FPAP manual was approved at the October 2015 Commission meeting, and updated February 2016 to include the addition of the probation standards. Agencies with assessments occurring March/April 2017 or July/August 2017 will have the option of continuing in the current manual or moving to the new manual. Agencies with assessments occurring November/December 2017 must use the new manuals. Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Commission Functions Establish standards Conduct agency reviews Oversee staff and committee activities SRIC – Standards Review and Interpretations Outreach By-Laws Resolve assessment conflicts Conduct meetings three time per year Approve extension requests Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
FCAC and FMJS FCAC FMJS Annual facility inspection Peers conduct inspection Statutorily mandated process FCAC Policy and procedures review (3 years) Assigned assessors conduct assessment Voluntary process Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission Talk about PREA Comply with FMJS already about 75% there with FCAC standards
FCAC Staff – Roles and Functions Facilitate Commission goals and activities Coordinate Commission meetings Promote the accreditation program Provide accreditation manager and assessor training Assist facilities in achieving accreditation Act as information and materials resource Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
How do I get started?? Florida Accreditation Office
Initial Steps CEO and agency commitment Appoint/hire an Accreditation Manager team committee agency-wide Consult with Program Manager Request access to PowerStandards Review Policies and Procedures Attend Accreditation Manager Training Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Self Assessment Visit accredited agencies/facilities Become familiar with standards Update written directives Construct files (Electronically) Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Pretrial and Probation Standards Full Compliance 81 standards, 2nd edition Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission FPAP 1st edition - 52 FPAP 2nd edition – 60 FPAP 2.1 - 78 standards
Fee Structure Service Area Population FEE Up to 100,000 $450 $900 200,001 to 500,000 $1,200 500,001 to 999,999 $1,800 Over 1 million $2,400 $300 Annual software fee Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Program Specifics 24 month process for initial accreditation 36 month process for reaccreditation Accredited for 3 years Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
FLA-PAC Networking and support group for Accreditation Managers Meets three times per year in conjunction with FCAC Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission FLA-PAC www.fla-pac.org
Accreditation Manager Role Project Manager Liaison within Agency Liaison with Accrediting Body Networking Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Key Activities Self Assessment Mock Assessment Formal Assessment Commission Review Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Training Opportunities Managing the Accreditation Process July 19-20, Winter Park Police Department New Assessor Orientation September 7-8, Winter Park Police Department Possibility of class tailored to Pretrial/Probation Date and location TBD Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission
Florida Accreditation Office Help is Available! Florida Accreditation Office www.flaccreditation.org (800) 558-0218 Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission FLA-PAC www.fla-pac.org