The Alachua County Department of Court Services Metamorphosis and OPUS programs were recently awarded the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accreditation. To become accredited, the Department of Court Services demonstrated that it focuses on quality improvement, the best possible outcomes of its services, and customer satisfaction. The accreditation lasts through May 31, 2025.
The Metamorphosis and OPUS programs spent the past year working on updating policies and ensuring they are utilizing best practices in preparation for their accreditation. They went through the final stages of their accreditation process on May 19 and 20, 2022, when CARF International sent a team of professionals called surveyors to visit the site and evaluate its services for quality. The surveyors consulted with staff members and interviewed people using Metamorphosis and OPUS services. Surveyors Desiree Rodgers and Robin Shorter were impressed with both Metamorphosis and OPUS and recognized them each as outstanding programs. In addition, they were impressed with how Court Services programs blended treatment and criminal justice aspects into a cohesive program.
Court Services Director Michael Arizmendi stated, “The successful completion of the CARF survey was a team effort and was the result of many hours of planning and preparation over the past year.”
Achieving and maintaining accreditation involves a great deal of commitment and work. CARF surveyors identified areas the programs may improve and provide better service to its clients. Michael Arizmendi has directed Court Services staff to remain steadfast to preserve this esteemed accreditation for the organization. This is Metamorphosis’ and OPUS’s initial accreditation and a critical milestone towards making Court Services a premier Department.
For more information, contact Alachua County Accreditation and Grants Manager Jeff Kilpatrick at 352-264-6982 or
jhk@alachuacounty.us.