Corrections_Today_Winter_2025-2026_Vol.87_No.4

PAST PRESIDENT’S CORNER

A brief history

This evolution ensures that ACA standards remain responsive to the complexities of modern correc tions while reinforcing a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Why accreditation matters While facilities are not legally required to be accredited, the ben efits of doing so are substantial. The accreditation process involves rigor ous self-assessment, third-party audits and peer reviews that validate a facility’s adherence to best prac tices and professional standards. Key reasons ACA accreditation is critical include: 1. Operational excellence Accredited facilities must meet hundreds of performance-based standards, resulting in more consis tent operations, safer environments, and better resource management. Accreditation also strengthens a facility’s capacity to respond to emergencies and manage risks effectively. 2. Legal and liability protection Many ACA standards mirror constitutional and statutory require ments. Facilities that meet these standards are better positioned to defend against litigation and dem onstrate proactive risk management. Courts have cited ACA standards as evidence of reasonable care in liability cases. 3. Staff development and morale The accreditation process em phasizes professional training and ongoing education. This investment

in staff development not only improves service delivery but also boosts morale and retention by fostering a culture of excellence and respect. 4. Public trust and transparency Accreditation signals to the public, oversight bodies, and stake holders that a facility is committed to ethical, accountable, and humane treatment of those in custody. In an era of heightened scrutiny, it promotes transparency and institu tional credibility. 5. Improved inmate outcomes While accreditation alone cannot resolve systemic issues, it supports better inmate care by ensuring access to healthcare, educational opportunities, and rehabilitative services — key factors in reducing recidivism and preparing individu als for successful reintegration into society. The accreditation process involves rigorous self assessment, third-party audits and peer reviews that validate a facility’s adherence to best practices and professional standards.

The ACA’s origins date back to 1870 with the formation of the National Prison Association, fo cused on prison reform. In 1954, it became the American Correctional Association and began publishing operational standards for cor rectional institutions. In 1974, the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections was established to implement a voluntary accreditation process for correctional facilities, agencies, and programs. Originally focused on adult institutions, the scope of accredita tion quickly expanded to include juvenile centers, community residential programs, parole and probation agencies, and train ing academies. These standards — grounded in constitutional mandates, legal precedent, and best practices — continue to evolve with the correctional field. The evolution of standards Since the 1970s, ACA standards have been regularly reviewed and updated to reflect shifts in public policy, legal rulings and professional priorities. While early standards emphasized security and disci pline, the modern framework now encompasses: – Inmate rights and due process – Staff training and development – Facility safety and environmen tal conditions – Medical and mental health services – Use of force and accountability – Rehabilitation, reentry, and education

Healthcare standards in context The ACA includes a robust set of healthcare standards, recognizing

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