Wellnest, L.A.’s leading emotional health and well-being organization serving children and families, has received a full, three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the highest rating possible from the independent accrediting body of health and human services.
“We are proud that CARF evaluators reported Wellnest demonstrated both a commitment to proven standards for excellent protocols and practices and to continuous quality improvement,” said Charlene Dimas-Peinado, Wellnest president and CEO. “CARF was able to witness our dedication to the children, young adults and families of our community.”
During their review, the CARF representatives noted multiple organizational strengths at Wellnest, including that its staff “works as a team” and employees feel “validated and respected.” CARF also mentioned Wellnest’s strong leadership team; its strategic plan, which included internal and external stakeholders in its development; exceptional “welcoming and attractive” facilities; and focus on effective partnerships in the community, among other achievements.
A three-year CARF accreditation—considered an emblem of outstanding adherence to CARF benchmarks—can have a positive ripple effect on Wellnest’s clients, partners, funding agencies, current staff and potential employees.
“Accreditation assures funding agencies and the public that we have made a commitment to continually enhance the quality of our services and programs,” said Dimas-Peinado. “Our clients will have even more confidence that they are in good hands, as we work hard to ensure the care they receive is held to the highest standards.”
An endorsement from CARF also helps the organization attract and retain highly qualified personnel, who prefer to serve in an accredited organization.
In the in-depth, on-site CARF review, Wellness was evaluated under three separate CARF manuals: Behavioral Health, Child Youth Services, and Employment. Together, those manuals contained a total of 3,000 standards.
