Basic services begin with the establishment of a functional physical plant, the adoption of sanitation and safety minimums, and the provision of a safe living environment. These must be followed by fundamental programs of education, vocational training, and counseling in all aspects of personal development. The realization of objectives through the use of standards requires involvement from correctional administrators and staff in all areas, as well as acceptance by governors, legislators, judges, and the public. Implementation requires fiscal resources and support at all levels of government, with goals and standards considered in any large-scale effort at criminal justice planning. The American Correctional Association and the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections have achieved the necessary involvement in the first 7 years of the standards and accreditation program. The standards are surviving challenges to their validity, and accreditation is achieving increased acceptance from corrections professionals, the courts, and public officials. Seventeen footnotes are listed. (Author summary modified)