What is CAMA?

The Correctional Accreditation Managers' Association [CAMA], established in 1987, is a national organization representing professionals in adult corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement and all related areas of the criminal justice system. 

CAMA, an affiliate of the American Correctional Association , is committed to developing a better understanding of the accreditation process by promoting correctional standards, and providing training as an avenue for communication and problem solving techniques related to accreditation. 

CAMA also provides a network of mid-level professionals working in the accreditation field who are willing to work with you to better understand and promote concepts and goals of correctional accreditation.

CAMA is designed for:

	Accreditation Managers assigned with day-to-day responsibility whose facilities are involved in the accreditation process.
	Administrators whose facilities are involved in the accreditation process
	Specialists whose jobs included the implementation of ACA standards
	Individuals responsible for drafting policies and procedures designed to meet ACA standards
	Anyone, whether in the public or private sector, who is interested in learning more about the accreditation process.

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Our Goals

Training

CAMA hosts an annual training conference/seminars providing workshops on a variety of issues related to accreditation. The workshops provide a "hands-on" opportunity for the participants to obtain valuable information and the tools necessary to help them in their accreditation work. Question and answer sessions with experienced accreditation managers, ACA auditors, ACA staff and other experts in the field are an integral part of this unique learning experience.

Topics such as: mandatory standards, legal issues, panel hearing preparation, internal monitoring of the ACA process, standard file organization, quality of life issues, motivation of staff and the latest revisions to ACA standards manuals are covered. Workshops for new and seasoned accreditation managers will be provided.

CAMA is committed to providing quality, affordable training to its members. Every effort is made to keep the cost to a minimum, thus providing an opportunity for all levels of staff working in the accreditation field to attend the training conferences.

Linda J. Allen Scholarship

Travel, registration, and expenses may be provided to a CAMA member who might otherwise be unable to attend the annual training conference due to the lack of personal and/or agency resources. Selection is based upon the potential impact the member's training may have on the accreditation process in the agency or the member's previous contributions to accreditation.

Representation

As an affiliate of the American Correctional Association CAMA Executive Committee members are involved in activities of ACA and CAMA. CAMA is represented at the Commission on Accreditation and Standards Committee's hearings during its consideration of accreditation standards, additions and revisions. The involvement of the Executive Committee provides input from the CAMA membership, a grass roots voice, in the process.

The CAMA Executive Committee includes regional representatives who are available to provide their expertise and assistance, keeping you informed of issues regarding CAMA and accreditation, and, to carry your recommendations and concerns forward.

Information Sharing

Through the network of CAMA members, information is available and can be obtained regarding any aspect of accreditation and the application of all ACA standards manuals. Assistance to accreditation managers and agencies new to the process is needed to avoid the "operating-in-a-vacuum sensation" experienced by so many agencies and managers. Nearly all CAMA members are employed in accredited agencies and they have a wealth of experience, information, policies and procedures, forms and documents which have been tested through the audit process. The CAMA membership roster is an essential resource document for every accreditation manager!

CAMA publishes and distributes to its members a newsletter three times a year. The newsletter serves as a forum for the presentation and discussion of important issues relating to the accreditation process. Articles are solicited from CAMA members as they share the success and problem solving techniques that have helped them achieve accreditation.