ACCREDITATION

TFA® is Trademarked: Only Accredited Agencies Can Claim Genuine Implementation of the Teaching-Family Model.

Since 1975, the Teaching-Family Association (TFA) has grown out of the demand to replicate this effective, trauma-informed model of treatment.

The Teaching-Family Association represents agencies supporting common elements and tenets of the Model across an array of programs service applications. Today, the Model serves a wide range of vulnerable families, physically, emotionally and sexually abused children, delinquent youth, emotionally disturbed and autistic children and adults, medically fragile children, adults with disabilities, and other clients in need.

In each of these program service delivery adaptations of the Teaching-Family Model, the same careful attention is paid to high fidelity of implementation. All of these applications make use of the Teaching-Family Model-based training, coaching/supervision, evaluation, and facilitative administrative support systems. TFM programs providers participate in an organized community of practice that holds them accountable for performance standards at the highest level. The TFM is non-proprietary and therefore what is learned in one agency can be shared with other agencies within the Association and incorporated into the standards and quality assurance processes within the Association.

Agencies wanting to implement the Teaching-Family Model are equipped with all training materials, and supervision and evaluation competencies to sustain their own programs and practice. To develop internal competency in providing TFM evidence-based programs, agencies are mentored and trained by an agency, developer, or consultant/employee who has achieved Accreditation status in the Model. Accreditation is rigorous and is granted only upon full and comprehensive implementation of all 15 TFM Standards with consistency, fidelity, and reliability.


Through the accreditation process, The Teaching-Family Association…

  • Accredits Members Agencies through a rigorous peer review process supervised by the Accreditation and Ethics Committee.

  • Trains and qualifies Peer Reviewers and ensures the fidelity and reliability of the Agency Review process.

  • Leads and supports research and advocacy initiatives.

  • Supports all members in providing outstanding treatment for clients in care through yearly conferences, training, and other resources.

  • Builds a professional network for Practitioners & Agency Service Providers.

Accreditation Timeline

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Development

Indefinite time period. Several months to several years.

The developing agency works with a mentoring agency, developer, or consultant/employee with Teaching-Family Model experience to establish crucial TFM systems and begin using and supporting the Model.

Teaching-Family Association membership as a developing member is required.

Review

One year.

When Teaching-Family Model systems are in place, the developing agency collects one year's worth of records and program data for inclusion in the initial accreditation application.

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Initial Accreditation

Within two months.

After one year of data collection, the developing agency submits an initial application for accreditation. An initial peer-led on-site review is scheduled in a timely manner (within two months of application). If review is successful, the agency receives accredited status retro-active to the day of application.