CAC current version of the standards has evolved from a rich history of more than 30 years in partnership with individuals, groups of like-minded programs, and health and human services organizations. Since the release of the first version of standards, they have been developed, revisited, revised and are continually evolving in order to provide the most current best practice.

There have been many changes over the course of the past 30 years, such as the broadening of the Program Standards to include a wider range of programs, reflective of our evolution from focusing solely on accrediting programs supporting children, youth, and families to a wider focus that includes adult and health programs. The Enhanced Designations were also created to allow programs to be recognized in their areas of specialty.

CAC also understands that different program types and communities have very different needs. To allow organizations to demonstrate the uniqueness of their programs, CAC has worked with many different stakeholders to develop standards that reflect their individual needs. Below is a list of some of the different types of organizations and programs we provide accreditation services to.