Employment and Community Services

Our standards reflect leadership in the field internationally through the promotion and advancement of equity, inclusion, and access to programs and services that provide employment and life skill development and support for persons to live and work as independently as possible.

What we accredit

Standards for the following types of programs/services are in the Employment and Community Services (ECS) Standards Manual:

  • Affirmative Business Enterprise
  • Assistive Technology Supports and Services
  • Behavioral Consultation Services
  • Centers for Independent Living
  • Children/Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Community Employment Services
  • Community Housing
  • Community Integration
  • Community Services Principle Standards
  • Comprehensive Benefits Planning
  • Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services
  • Employee Development Services
  • Employment Planning Services
  • Employment Services Principle Standards
  • Employment Skills Training Services
  • Employment and Career Centers
  • Family Services
  • Foster Family Services
  • Home and Community Services
  • Host Family/Shared Living Services
  • Individual-Centered Service Planning, Design, and Delivery
  • Mentor Services
  • Organizational Employment Services
  • Personal Supports Services
  • Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention Program
  • Respite Services
  • Self-Directed Community Supports and Services: Employer of Record for Support Services
  • Self-Directed Community Supports and Services: Flexible Supports Planning
  • Self-Employment Services
  • Service Delivery Using Information and Communication Technologies
  • Services Coordination
  • Services for Children and Youth
  • Short-Term Immigration Support Services
  • Supported Education Services
  • Supported Living
  • Transition Services
  • Shelter Programs—New in 2025

Specific population designations

The following may be added to a program:
  • Standards for Workforce Development Services
  • Older Adults and Dementia Care
  • Medically Fragile
  • Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Children and Adolescents
  • Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Welcome video

This video provides an introduction to accreditation in Employment and Community Services and Vision Rehabilitation Services and the programs included.

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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CARF Connection blog

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

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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.

Suicide — a global public health issue

Go to our suicide prevention page for resources and to learn about CARF’s involvement in bringing awareness to the issue.

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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

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Chasity Chamberlin
Managing Director of Employment and Community Services

Chasity Chamberlin brings decades of experience in residential, employment, and community integration programs to her role.