ACCREDITATION

NAPSA’s Accreditation program provides Pretrial Agencies the opportunity to ensure the pretrial release standards are being implemented in programs to their fullest extent. It is not just achieving accreditation that is the ultimate goal, but also maintaining accreditation that attest to the agency striving for excellence through application of these standards and best practices throughout its operation. Benefits of accreditation include improved staff training and development, assessment of strengths or weaknesses, defense against outside interests, establishment of measurable criteria for upgrading operations and performance based benefits.

FOUNDATIONS OF NAPSA  ACCREDITATION
Since 2005, NAPSA has realized pretrial programs across the country would benefit from a nationwide accreditation process. This process was outlined in a strategic plan, described as The Road Map, which was produced with technical assistance from NIC. Similarly, in 2007, at a strategic planning meeting in Florida, the need for accreditation was again listed as a top priority of the Association. Toward that end, an initial meeting was held in July 2009 during which the nucleus and outline of an Association process was described along with a goal of producing a description of the program.

The NAPSA Commission on Accreditation was established in 2011 with the dual purpose of espousing comprehensive, national accreditation standards for Pretrial Release and implementing a voluntary program of accreditation to measure compliance with those standards.

NAPSA ACCREDITATION PROGRAM BENEFITS
The benefits to a pretrial program and to NAPSA are far reaching. Achieving Accreditation:

• Produces performance-based benefits that provide valuable data.
• Indicates certain professionalism to staff, other agencies, and funders.
• Serves as a defense against outside interests (e.g. bail-bond industry).
• Improves staff morale through participation, and highlights professionalism.
• Ensures staff training and development.
• Provides opportunity to assess program strengths and weaknesses.
• Establishes measurable criteria for addressing environmental issues.
• Benefits both staff and defendants.
• Creates a more constructive environment.
• Demonstrates a national pretrial credential and recognition.

RESOURCES FOR NAPSA ACCREDITATION
     NAPSA Accreditation Standards
     NAPSA Accreditation Process Manual
     NAPSA Accreditation Initial Application of Interest

NAPSA ACCREDITED PROGRAMS
     Maine Pretrial Services
          Maine’s Accredited Pretrial Services Program
          Maine’s ReAccredited Pretrial Services Program

Questions regarding NAPSA’s Accreditation Program should be addressed to Shawn LaGrega, Accreditation Committee Chair, at [email protected]