Council on Quality and Leadership

For more than 40 years, CQL (The Council on Quality and Leadership) has been a leader working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure and improve the quality of life of all people. CQL offers training, accreditation, consultation and certification services to organizations and systems that share our vision of dignity, opportunity and community for all people.

Since its founding in 1969, CQL has been a leader in developing and measuring quality indicators and standards for services for people with disabilities that emphasize vales-based supports and services, individualized planning and personal outcomes. CQL Accreditation promotes and facilitates excellence in person-centered services and supports that lead to increased quality of life.

In 1978, Citizen Care was first accredited by CQL and Partners For Quality has been continuously accredited ever since! Accreditation is a voluntary process that signifies an agency goes above and beyond licensing requirements.

Council on Accreditation

The Council on Accreditation (COA) is an international, independent, nonprofit, human service accrediting organization. Founded in 1977 by the Child Welfare League of America and Family Service America (now the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities), our mission is to partner with human service organizations worldwide to improve service delivery outcomes by developing, applying, and promoting accreditation standards. We envision excellence in the delivery of human services globally, resulting in the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

The cornerstone of the COA standards reflect the philosophy that accreditation is not an end, but a means to an end. The real endpoint is an organization’s enhanced growth and stability, measurable results, and an unwavering commitment to the health, safety and rights of clients.

In 2000, Allegheny Children’s Initiative was first accredited by COA and our Agency has been accredited ever since.

The Sanctuary Institute

Milestone Centers is a Sanctuary-certified agency. Milestone staff and clients are trained in the Sanctuary® Model – a guide for creating and sustaining a safe, democratic environment where healing occurs. The process teaches an understanding of trauma and how it affects individuals and organizations. According to the Sanctuary Model, it is the responsibility of caretakers to change their perspective on traumatized children and adults and to view them as hurt, rather than ill.

Milestone values the Sanctuary Model because our organization understands the connection among trauma, behavior and future healing. Sanctuary is proven to reduce physical aggression and promote a safe, non-violent atmosphere for everyone.
Sanctuary is a cultural model rather than a treatment intervention and helps Milestone staff, clients and families to discuss behavior using a common language.