Accreditation emerged in response to the need for standards that are practical, measurable, and representative of good correctional practices. Standards continually evolve to include new knowledge, changing conditions, and broadened application. During fiscal year 1988, of 594 facilities that expressed an interest in becoming accredited, only 186 (31 percent) entered into the process. Of these, 166 were accredited as of January 1990, 17 were still seeking accreditation as of March 1, 1990, two withdrew because of failure to comply with the standards, and one withdrew without explanation. Of the 166 accredited facilities, 12 required a re-audit and 23 were required to provide additional verification of standards compliance before being accredited. That only 28 percent of the 594 original facilities completed the process shows that many correctional facilities are being run below standard requirements.