Founded in 1966, CARF is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes qualityrehabilitation services. It does this by establishing standards ofquality for organizations to use as guidelines in developing andoffering their programs or services to consumers. CARF uses thestandards to determine how well an organization is serving itsconsumers and how it can improve.

The CARF standards aredeveloped with input from consumers, rehabilitation professionals,state and national organizations, and funders. Every year the standardsare reviewed and new ones are developed to keep pace with changingconditions and current consumer needs.

Afteran organization applies for accreditation of its services or programs, CARF sends professionals in the field to conduct an on-site survey todetermine the degree to which the organization meets the standards.  CARF surveyors also consult with staff members and offer suggestionsfor improving the quality of services.

CARF-accredited programsand services have demonstrated that they substantially meetinternationally recognized standards. CARF accreditation means that youcan be confident that an organization has made a commitment tocontinually enhance the quality of its services and programs, and its focus is on consumer satisfaction.

Choosing CARF-accredited programs and services gives you the assurance that:

• The programs or services actively involve consumers in selecting, planning, and using services.
• The organization's programs and services have met consumer-focused, state-of-the-art international standards of performance.
• These standards were developed with the involvement and input of consumers.
• The organization is focused on assisting each consumer in achieving his or her chosen goals and outcomes.