StepStone Family and Youth Services is a network of providers who support children in 
need of alternative, safer, and more positive living environments. Accreditation is an important part of our commitment to quality care. StepStone Family and Youth Services locations in Tennessee has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. The accreditation focuses on an organization’s ongoing commitment to quality improvement and demonstrating conformance to CARF standards in services areas and business practices.
Tennessee CARF Accreditation Report Highlights:
- The organization has an extensive training and home-study process for potential foster families. Through this process, the staff members fully assess the families with focus on their suitability, skills, and motivation. This helps foster families to be well prepared for their role.
- Foster parents who were interviewed expressed enthusiasm and love of their role in helping youth reach their potential. They attributed their successes to the support and training provided by the organization.
- Foster parents shared high praise for the level of communication, support, and dedication from the organization’s staff members. Through routine contact and crisis situations, the staff members are described as being accessible and knowledgeable. It was noted that they consistently provide needed help, such as listening, arranging respite care, or simply being present in the foster home.
- The energy of the leadership team speaks to the commitment to providing excellent, quality services and to exceeding expectations of the persons served.
- Staff members reported high job satisfaction and credit relationships to be at the center of this experience. They described their meaningful connections with foster families and the youth served to be rewarding and the best part of the job. Further, the accessibility and commitment of the leadership and fellow team members are described as a benefit and help, as someone is always available to provide support and step in to assist when needed.
- The organization is commended for continued business investments and efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as its current transition to electronic recordkeeping. The organization has been steadfast in the provision of services and has prioritized continuous improvement, showing commitment to long-term success.
About CARF
Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services in the following areas: Aging Services, Behavioral Health, Child and Youth Services, Continuing Care Retirement Facilities, Employment and Community Services, Medical Rehabilitation. The mission of CARF is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of persons served.
CARF provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human service providers. Providers that meet our standards have demonstrated their commitment to being among the best available.