Child and Youth
Services

Our holistic, person-centered quality framework of standards reflects leadership in the field internationally through the promotion and advancement of programs/services designed for children and youth (from birth through young adulthood) in the areas of child welfare, behavioral health, and healthy development.

What we accredit

Standards for the following types of programs/services are in the Child and Youth Services (CYS) Standards Manual:

  • Adoption
  • Assessment and Referral
  • Behavioral Consultation
  • Case Management/Services Coordination
  • Child/Youth Day Care
  • Child/Youth Protection
  • Community Housing and Shelters
  • Community Transition
  • Community Youth Development
  • Counseling/Outpatient
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Crisis Stabilization
  • Day Treatment
  • Detoxification/Withdrawal Support
  • Diversion/Intervention
  • Early Childhood Development
  • Foster Family and Kinship Care
  • Group Home
  • Health Home
  • Home and Community Services
  • Intensive Family-Based Services
  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment
  • Promotion/Prevention
  • Residential Treatment
  • Respite
  • Specialized or Treatment Foster Care
  • Support and Facilitation

Specific population designations

The following can be added to any program:

  • Transition Age Youth
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Medically Complex

Most often these standards are optional if you serve children and/or youth within this target population.

Welcome video

This video provides an introduction to accreditation in Child and Youth Services and the programs included.

Interwoven into the standards:

  • Trauma-informed care principles
  • Well-being and resiliency
  • Cultural and linguistic competency
  • Strengths-based approach
  • Individualized services based on an assessment of the child and family’s unique Strengths, Needs, Abilities, and Preferences (SNAP)

Get to know the standards

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Education and training

See the training calendar for details about our training opportunities and educational webinars.

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Purchase the standards

The standards are available for purchase through our online store.

Additional information

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Promising Practices

Read articles that spotlight innovative provider practices.

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Performance Management Workbook

Designed to walk providers through the process of designing a performance management system.

We are your partner for quality and success

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Value of accreditation

Our consultative peer-review process promotes active, dynamic planning focused on impact and outcomes. Learn how we can help your organization.

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Steps to accreditation

Accreditation takes time to prepare for and requires ongoing improvement efforts. We will be with you every step of the way.

Connection blog

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A case study

Case study of Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN). Part 1 of a two-part blog series exploring cultural competency practices to be inclusive of youth with diverse SOGIE.

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4 practices to develop a SOGIE-literate culture

Part 2 of a two-part blog series exploring cultural competency practices to be inclusive of youth with diverse SOGIE.

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CARF Connection blog

Learn about current trends, improving services, and the latest CARF news.

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We’re here to help!

No matter where you are in your accreditation journey, we are here to answer your questions and provide assistance.

The Managing Director

Headshot of Leslie Ellis-Lang, managing director of Child and Youth Services
Leslie Ellis-Lang, MSEd, LMFT
Managing Director of Child and Youth Services

Leslie Ellis-Lang is a leader in services for children and youth with an emphasis on child welfare and behavioral health.