Duluth, MN – February 4, 2020
For Immediate Release
The Human Development Center (HDC), a certified community behavioral health clinic headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, has been awarded a Three-Year CARF Accreditation for its Community Employment Services programs: Employment Supports and Job Development. Additionally, HDC received a “no recommendations” finding, an accomplishment only 3% of all CARF surveyed agencies have received.
“This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served,” stated Brian Book, Ph.D., CEO of CARF International in a letter to HDC. “Your organization should take pride in achieving this high level of accreditation.”
Approximately 4.5% of Minnesota Adults suffer from serious mental illness. Many who experience mental illnesses do not seek treatment, and many who do are not treated comprehensively. The purpose of HDC’s Employment Connection is to provide the highest quality of vocational rehabilitation services to consumers in the region. These services are designed to enhance the quality of clients’ lives by assisting them with obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment.
“HDC and Employment Connection are so proud of this achievement,” commented Community Support Services Program Director Julie Wilson, “It truly recognizes the passion and hard work our entire agency and community partners put into serving our clients.”
HDC’s Employment Connection program believes “work is therapy,” and all persons have the capacity to be productive members of their communities, given the necessary supports. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidence-based practice that is three times more effective than other available employment services. People who obtain employment through IPS have increased income, improved self-esteem, improved quality of life, and reduced symptoms. Placement and support are funded through the Minnesota and Wisconsin State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Departments and State and County grants.
CARF is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, enhancing the lives of persons served worldwide. The accreditation process applies CARF’s internationally recognized standards during an on-site survey conducted by peer surveyors. Accreditation, however, in an ongoing process that distinguishes a provider’s service delivery and signals to the public that the provider is committed to continuous performance improvement, responsive to feedback, and accountable to the community and its other stakeholders. (http://www.carf.org/home/)
