Petrolia, ON – October 14, 2025 – Lambton County Developmental Services (LCDS) is proud to announce it has been awarded a Three-Year Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International, recognizing strong alignment with internationally accepted standards in developmental services.

This achievement reflects LCDS’s 70-year legacy of excellence in supporting people with developmental disabilities across eight diverse communities in Lambton County. It also marks the sixth consecutive accreditation LCDS has earned over eighteen years, reinforcing its commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusive support.

“Our staff have been recognized for their ongoing teamwork, resilience, and professionalism, which we are extremely proud of at LCDS,” said Executive Director Nick Salaris. “This accreditation reflects the passion, dedication, and collaboration that define our organization and the meaningful impact we make in the lives of those we support.”

During a three-day site survey in July 2025, CARF representatives visited LCDS homes, service locations, and administrative offices, and conducted confidential interviews with employees, people supported, families, and community partners. The accreditation process is guided by CARF’s ASPIRE to Excellence® framework, which promotes continuous quality improvement and accountability across health and human services.

The survey highlighted LCDS’s strengths in person-centred service delivery, community integration, leadership stability, stakeholder engagement, and innovative practices. LCDS’s programs, including Community Employment Services: Employment Supports & Job Development, Community Housing, Community Integration, Host Family/Shared Living Services, Supported Independent Living and Governance Standards were commended for their responsiveness, flexibility, and alignment with the goals and aspirations of the people supported.

LCDS also received praise for its comprehensive strategic plan, launched in 2024 with input from supported individuals, families, staff, and community partners. The plan is actively tracked and publicly shared at LCDSpetrolia.ca.

This accreditation affirms LCDS’s dedication to its mission of empowering people with developmental disabilities, fostering inclusive communities, and delivering services rooted in care, connection, and excellence.

To view the full CARF Accreditation Report, visit LCDSpetrolia.ca