The Council on Accreditation (COA) is an international, independent, nonprofit, human service accrediting organization. Founded in 1977, its mission is to partner 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."
COA Accredits Organizations and Programs
This includes the full continuum of child welfare, behavioral health, and community-based social services. COA currently accredits more than 2,200 organizations and programs.
COA has separate accreditation programs for private organizations, public agencies, Canadian organizations, military family readiness programs, child and youth development programs, and international adoption programs.
COA Develops Accreditation Standards
In partnership with the field of human services, COA develops standards on an ongoing basis so that they remain relevant in an ever-changing field.