Accreditations, Affiliations, & Partnerships
As a member of the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Crisis Services of North Alabama works alongside other domestic violence programs statewide to strengthen prevention, intervention, and advocacy for survivors and their families. This partnership provides access to training, resources, and collaborative networks that enhance our services and support our role in promoting safe, healthy communities across Alabama.
Crisis Services of North Alabama receives funding administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. We follow strict state and federal guidelines for program operation and are audited annually to ensure compliance, accountability, and the responsible use of resources that support survivors in our community.
See below for more about ACADV and ADECA’s annual reviews of certified domestic violence programs
Crisis Services of North Alabama is accredited by the International Council for Helplines, a membership organization that has set best practice standards for helplines for more than 50 years. This accreditation reflects our commitment to providing crisis support that meets the highest standards of quality and care.
Crisis Services of North Alabama is recognized by the Standards for Excellence Institute®, a national initiative that promotes the highest standards of ethics and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, and operations. This recognition reflects our commitment to transparency, integrity, and effective stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
Purpose of ACAR Standards for Local Programs
The Alabama Coalition Against Rape (ACAR) sets statewide standards to ensure survivors receive consistent, high-quality, survivor-centered services no matter where they live. These standards provide a framework for local rape crisis centers and sexual assault service providers, guiding them in delivering essential services, staying in compliance, and upholding civil rights.
Key Goals of the Standards:
Define Core Services – All certified programs must offer crisis intervention, advocacy, accompaniment, and support, ensuring every survivor has access to a baseline level of care.
Promote Consistency & Accountability – Clear expectations for service delivery, documentation, and staff conduct help maintain best practices while meeting legal and ethical obligations.
Protect Survivor Rights – Standards safeguard confidentiality, informed consent, and culturally responsive care, ensuring survivors’ civil rights are honored at every step.
By following ACAR standards, local programs can deliver compassionate, ethical, and effective services that survivors can trust.
Crisis Services of North Alabama is a member of the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, a statewide network that supports professional development, strengthens organizational capacity, and connects nonprofits through meaningful collaboration. This membership helps us access resources, share expertise, and contribute to shaping a stronger nonprofit sector in Alabama.
Crisis Services of North Alabama has earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by Candid (formerly GuideStar). This seal reflects our commitment to openly sharing our mission, programs, financials, and impact—helping donors and funders see the difference their support makes in our community.
Crisis Services of North Alabama is the managing agency for United Way’s 211 service in our area, operating the call center from our administrative office. United Way 211 is a free, confidential, 24/7 resource that connects people with local services for essential needs like housing, food, and healthcare
Annual Review of Certified Domestic Violence Programs
Certified domestic violence programs in Alabama, such as Crisis Services’ program, undergo an annual review to ensure they meet the standards set by both the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV) and the Alabama Department of Community and Economic Affairs (ADECA) Administrative Code.
ACADV Standards – First established in 1991, ACADV’s minimum standards guide the operation of domestic violence programs through an internal monitoring process. These standards address program content, physical safety, and fiscal management, ensuring that survivors receive ethical, consistent, and effective services.
ADECA Administrative Code – Implemented in 2018, this code outlines the criteria and procedures for certifying domestic violence centers, including application, approval, suspension, or rejection of certification. It also establishes membership standards for ACADV.
As Alabama’s statewide coalition, ACADV represents 16 certified domestic violence centers and provides leadership, advocacy, education, training, technical assistance, and support. The review process holds programs accountable to both the populations they serve and to state standards, in accordance with Sections 30-6-1 and 30-7-1 et seq., Ala. Code 1975.
Certified centers are expected to:
Act with integrity
Treat all survivors with dignity and compassion
Maintain compliance with all state and coalition standards
The ACADV Standards Review Process ensures that every certified domestic violence program delivers consistent, high-quality services to survivors across Alabama.