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Are you aware that TJC has developed new standards specifically geared to the child welfare industry? These new and revised Joint Commission standards for child welfare agencies go into effect September 13, 2020. The new standards are in the Behavioral Health Care manual. Specifically, there are 74 new elements of performance (EPs) and 12 revised EPs.

Impetus for New Joint Commission Standards

The number of child welfare agencies that TJC accredits has been growing in recent years. They currently accredit nearly 200 such organizations.

The new standards incorporate the latest research and best practices in this industry. Overall, the goal is to improve quality and safety in child welfare settings.

The new Joint Commission standards address the following services within the child welfare continuum:

  • Adoption
  • Family preservation/wraparound services
  • Foster care
  • Kinship care
  • Respite care
  • Reunification
  • Child protective services

The chapters in the BH manual where these changes appear include Care, Treatment, & Services, Human Resources, Leadership and Rights/Responsibilities. Notably, the new standards incorporate a trauma-informed approach such as that promoted by the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Surveying Training for Child Welfare Agencies

In addition to rolling out the new standards, TJC will conduct training for the Behavioral Health surveyors who’ll survey the child welfare agencies. Similarly, they plan some changes to the survey process to better address the needs of these agencies.

Name Change for Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program

Along with these new standards, the Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program will now be known as the Behavioral Health Care and Human Services Accreditation Program. Clearly, this new name better reflects the various types of organizations TJC accredits under this program.

Survey Readiness for Child Welfare Agencies

We’ve worked with many organizations that provide a wide range of both behavioral health services and child welfare services. We’re hopeful these new standards provide a framework that enhances the survey process and highlights the unique needs of child welfare agencies.

If you’re gearing up for these new standards, our Mock Surveys and TJC Education & Training will prepare you to meet the new requirements and be survey-ready.