Under the ACA accreditation process, outside experts conduct an impartial and objective assessment of a facility's operations according to ACA standards set for all components of a juvenile correctional facility's operations. These encompass administration and management, the physical plant, institutional operations, facility services, and juvenile services. The accreditation review process culminates with a detailed description of the experts' perceptions of the facility's conditions of confinement and the overall quality of life for residents. Thus, the ACA accreditation process is the best tool available for performing a complete and comprehensive assessment of the total operations of a facility. The accreditation process can result in improved staff training and development, the identification of facility strengths and weaknesses, a defense against lawsuits, establishment of measurable criteria for upgrading operations, improved staff morale and professionalism, a safer environment for staff and residents, reduced liability insurance costs, and performance-based benefits. Of the more than 400 secure public and private juvenile correctional facilities in the country, approximately 20 percent are ACA accredited. These accredited facilities demonstrate that the executives, administrators, and other correctional employees are good stewards of public resources, provide juveniles a chance to change their lives for the better, and comply with the minimum national correctional standards for operating a juvenile correctional facility. 6 references