October 14th, 2022 – Cornhusker State Industries (CSI) successfully completed an external audit by the American Correctional Association (ACA). The ACA is a part of the Global Correctional Association. CSI scored 100% on their Mandatory files and 100% on their Non-Mandatory files. Accreditation from the ACA is earned through compliance with standards that are developed, reviewed, and refined for the operation of correctional programs that safeguard life, health, and safety of personnel working in corrections as well as the incarcerated individuals. Compliance begins with review and revision of CSI’s procedures each year, review and revision of each standard, review and revision of each standards file and all documentation to prove compliance. This documentation is requested from all areas of CSI as well as other Facilities by the ACA Manager.

In January 2023, CSI staff members will present at a panel hearing at the 2023 ACA Winter Conference to complete the accreditation process. Upon confirmation by the panel, CSI will fully be accredited by the American Correctional Association for the next three years.  

Lauren Cabanas HR/ACA/Safety Manager who heads the CSI reaccreditation effort says “after having completed this audit, it was clear to me that my HR & Safety responsibilities play into every bit of the ACA audit when it comes to meeting training and safety standards.” She recognizes that “even though I am not working on specific files every day, the entire CSI team provides the appropriate backing documentation by completing training, tracking tools and ensuring the safety in our shops”. She compliments her teammates by saying “I would not have been able to complete the audit successfully without the help from all of our CSI teammates.”

CSI first achieved ACA accreditation in 2008 and will have their next external audit in 2025.