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A process initiated in 1996, the Quality Assurance Department is committed to supporting staff in implementation of the Berkshire County Arc's mission. It is responsible for the evaluation of all agency service locations through thorough record review and bi-annual visits, by chairing the Incident Review Committee, by overseeing preparation for licensing and accreditation surveys and by providing technical support and values training for new and current staff.
Quality Assurance visits to BCARC residences and programs examine the quality of community and personal interactions, opportunities for choice making, utilization of teaching opportunities, as well as satisfaction with services and communication supports. This values-driven process results in highlights of positive outcomes as well as recommendations for improvements.
In 2000, the Quality Assurance Department initiated several new projects increasing the involvement in the process of individuals receiving services from BCARC. In a series of focus group meetings held to discuss quality issues, individuals in attendance identified many positive areas in their lives as well as raising areas of concern. They also added insightful suggestions and recommendations.
It was my pleasure to have Kim Scace of Laurel Street accompany me on a Quality Assurance visit to Sampson Parkway. Kim took her involvement in the process very seriously, and her comments following the visit showed outstanding insight. "The ladies seemed happy; they were smiling. Staff treated the ladies well. The bedrooms are nice because
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