ROSELAND, NJ (December 11, 2003)—A committee of American Correctional Association (ACA) auditors recommended Community Education Center’s Talbot Hall and Bo Robinson facilities for re-accreditation based on compliance with ACA national standards. The auditors gave both facilities a score of 100% on mandatory and non-mandatory standards, which are established by ACA and serve as a benchmark for the effective operation of correctional facilities throughout the United States.

In the last year, four other CEC facilities achieved a perfect score following an ACA audit: Coleman Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Liberty Hall in Indianapolis, Indiana; Tooley Hall in Denver, Colorado; and Community Alternatives of El Paso County (CAE) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I’m proud of CEC’s accomplishments. We will continue to strive to meet and exceed the national standards set by ACA. Receiving accreditation is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our employees. I’d like to express my gratitude to all those who helped us reach our accreditation goals,” said John Clancy, President and CEO of Community Education Centers.

The American Correctional Association requires agencies to undergo re-accreditation every three years. During the three-year accreditation period, the agency submits an annual certification statement that is due on the anniversary of the accreditation date. It contains information on current standards compliance levels, updates of plans of action, significant events and/or major staffing changes; physical plant renovations and other information related to ACA standards.

During the two-day audits, committee members reviewed the standards based on written documentation, observations and interviews with staff and residents at each facility. “The staff at Talbot Hall worked hard to prepare for the audit,” said Alan Hoffman, Director of the facility. “We appreciate the commitment of the staff in helping us prepare for the ACA audit,” said Mike Oliver, Director of Bo Robinson.

Bo Robinson opened in June 1997 and provides substance abuse treatment and work-release to 340 male residents. In addition to its focus on preparing residents to reintegrate into the community, Bo Robinson provides life-skills training and education programs.

Talbot Hall opened in 1998 to provide rehabilitation services to 500 male residents. Talbot Hall provides comprehensive assessment, treatment, life-skills training and education services. Upon completion of the program, residents are referred to an appropriate halfway house to begin participation in work-release.