NARR was founded in 2011 by a group of organizations and individuals with vast experience in recovery housing from across the country. From the beginning, NARR has been committed to developing and maintaining a national standard for all levels of recovery housing. The term “recovery residence” denotes safe and healthy residential environments in which skills vital for sustaining recovery are learned and practiced in a home-like setting, based on Social Model principles. The Social Model is fundamental to all levels of recovery residences. Social Model philosophy promotes norms that reinforce healthy living skills and associated values, attitudes, and connection with self and community for sustaining recovery. NARR Standard 3.0 operationalizes the Social Model across four Domains, 10 Principles, 31 Standards and their individual rules. The Standard is tailored to each of NARR’s four levels. Version 3 of the NARR Standard does not introduce any operational rules that are not already included in Version 2. Rather, it restates them in a more logical way that improves clarity and eliminates some redundant language
Sober Housing Quality Standards
Administrative Domain
1. Use Mission and Vision as guides for decision making
1.a. A written mission statement that corresponds with NARR’s core principles
1.b. A vision statement that corresponds with NARR’s core principles as stated in this document
2. Adhere to legal and ethical codes and use best business practices
2.a. Documentation of legal business entity (e.g. incorporation, LLC documents or business license).
2.b. Documentation that the owner/operator has current liability coverage and other insurance appropriate to the level of support.
2.c. Written permission from the property owner of record (if the owner is other than the recovery residence operator) to operate a recovery residence on the property.
2.d. A statement attesting to compliance with nondiscriminatory state and federal requirements.
2.e. Operator attests that claims made in marketing materials and advertising will be honest and substantiated and that it does not employ any of the following:
- False or misleading statements or unfounded claims or exaggerations;
- Testimonials that do not reflect the real opinion of the involved individual;
- Price claims that are misleading;
- Therapeutic strategies for which licensure and/or counseling certifications are required but not applicable at the site; or
- Misleading representation of outcomes.
2.f. Policy and procedures that ensure the following conditions are met if the residence provider employs, contracts with or enters into a paid work agreement with residents:
- Paid work arrangements are completely voluntary.
- Residents do not suffer consequences for declining work.
- Residents who accept paid work are not treated more favorably than residents who do not.
- All qualified residents are given equal opportunity for available work.
- Paid work for the operator or staff does not impair participating residents’ progress towards their recovery goals.
- The paid work is treated the same as any other employment situation.
- Wages are commensurate with marketplace value and at least minimum wage.
- The arrangements are viewed by a majority of the residents as fair.
- Paid work does not confer special privileges on residents doing the work.
- Work relationships do not negatively affect the recovery environment or morale of the home.
- Unsatisfactory work relationships are terminated without recriminations that can impair recovery.
2.g Policy and procedure that ensures refunds consistent with the terms of a resident agreement are provided within 10 business days, and preferably upon departure from the home
2.h. Staff must never become involved in residents’ personal financial affairs, including lending or borrowing money, or other transactions involving property or services, except that the operator may make agreements with residents with respect to payment of fees.
2.i. A policy and practice that provider has a code of ethics that is aligned with the NARR code of ethics. There is evidence that this document is read and signed by all those associated with the operation of the recovery residence, to include owners, operators, staff and volunteers.
2.j. Policy and procedures that ensure all residents are age eighteen or older at time of admission.
3. Be financially honest and forthright
3.a. Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be, or could potentially be, responsible. This information needs
to be in writing and signed by the applicant.
3.b. Use of an accounting system which documents all resident financial transactions such as fees, payments and deposits.
- Ability to produce clear statements of a resident’s financial dealings with the operator within reasonable timeframes.
- Accurate recording of all resident charges and payments.
- Payments made by 3rd party payers are noted.
3.c. A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement.
3.d. A policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf.
4. Collect data for continuous quality improvement
4.a. Policies and procedures regarding collection of resident’s information. At a minimum data collection will
- protect individual’s identity.
- be used for continuous quality improvement and
- be part of day-to-day operations and regularly reviewed by staff and residents (where appropriate).
5. Communicate rights and requirements before agreements are signed
5.a. Documentation of a process that requires a written agreement prior to committing to terms that includes the following:
- Resident rights
- Financial obligations, and agreements
- Services provided
- Recovery goals
- Relapse policies
- Policies regarding removal of personal property left in the residence
6. Protect Resident information
6.a. Policies and procedures that keep residents’ records secure, with access limited to authorized staff.
7. Involve residents in governance
7.a. Grievance policy and procedures, including the right to take grievances that are not resolved by the house leadership to the operation’s oversight organization for mediation
7.b. Grievance policy and procedures, including the right to take unresolved grievances to the operator’s oversight organization
7.c. Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas.
7.d. Policies and procedures that promote resident-driven length of stay.
7.e. Evidence that residents have opportunities to be heard in the governance of the residence; however, decision making remains with the operator.
8. Promote resident involvement in a developmental approach to recovery
8.a. Peer support interactions among residents are facilitated to expand responsibilities for personal and community recovery.
8.b. Written responsibilities, role descriptions, guidelines and/or feedback for residence leaders.
8.c. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated.
8.d. Policies and procedures that defend residents’ fair housing rights
9. Staff model and teach recovery skills and behaviors
9.a. Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care.
9.b. Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct.
9.c. Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support.
9.d.Evidence that staff are expected to model genuineness, empathy, respect, support and unconditional positive regard.
10.a Policies that value individuals chosen for leadership roles who are versed and trained in the Social Model of recovery and best practices of the profession.
11. Staff are culturally responsive and competent
Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local
community-based resources.
11.a. Policies and procedures that serve the priority population, which at a minimum include persons in recovery from
substance use but may also include other demographic criteria.
11.b. Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided.
12. All staff positions are guided by written job descriptions that reflect recovery
12.a. Job descriptions include position responsibilities and certification/licensure and/or lived experience credential requirements.
12.b. A resident council or process is in place that ensures resident’s voices can be heard
12.c. Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services.
Ideally, eligibility to deliver services includes lived experience recovering from substance use disorders and the ability to
reflect recovery principles.
13. Provide Social Model-Oriented Supervision of Staff:
13.a. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence
level.
13.b. Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff.
14. The residence is comfortable, inviting, and meets residents’ needs
14.a. Verification that the residence is in good repair, clean, and well maintained
14.b. Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings.
14.c. Verification that entrances and exits are home‐like vs.institutional or clinical.
14.d. Verification of 70+ sq. feet for the first bed and 50+ sq. feet per additional bed.
14.e. Verification that there are bathroom ratios of 8:1 for women’s and 10:1 for men’s
14.f. Verification that each resident has personal item storage.
14.g. Verification that each resident has food storage space.
14.h. Verification that laundry services are accessible to all residents.
14.i. Verification that all appliances are in safe, working condition.
15. The living space is conducive to building community
15.a. Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents.
15.b. Verification that a comfortable group area provides space for small group activities and socializing
15.c. Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together.
15.d. Verification that entertainment or recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided.
16. Provide an alcohol and illicit drug free environment
16.a. Policy prohibits the use of alcohol and/or illicit drug use or seeking.
16.b. Policy lists prohibited items and states procedures for associated searches by staff
16.c. Policy and procedures for drug screening and/or toxicology protocols.
16.d. Policy and procedures that address residents’ prescription and non-prescription medication usage and storage consistent with the residence’s level and with relevant state law.
16.e. Policies and procedures that encourage residents to take responsibility for their own and other residents’ safety and
health.
17.a. Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and
safety hazards.
17.b. Operator will attest that the residence meets local health and safety codes appropriate to the type of occupancy (e.g. single family or other) OR provide documentation from a government agency or credentialed inspector attesting to the property meeting health and safety standards.
17.c. Verification that the residence has a safety inspection policy requiring periodic verification of
- Functional smoke detectors in all bedroom spaces and elsewhere as code demands,
- Functional carbon monoxide detectors, if residence has gas HVAC, hot water or appliances
- Functional fire extinguishers placed in plain sight and/or clearly marked locations,
- Regular, documented inspections of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers,
- Fire and other emergency evacuation drills take place regularly and are documented (not required for Level I Residences).
18.a. Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence.
18.b Policy regarding exposure to bodily fluids and contagious disease.
19. Plan for emergencies including intoxication, withdrawal and overdose
19.a Verification that emergency numbers, procedures (including overdose and other emergency responses) and evacuation maps are posted in conspicuous locations.
19.b. Documentation that emergency contact information is collected from residents.
19.c. Documentation that residents are oriented to emergency procedures.
19.d. Verification that Naloxone is accessible at each location, and appropriate individuals are knowledgeable and trained in its use.
20. Promote meaningful activities
20.a. Documentation that residents are encouraged to do at least one of the following:
- Work, go to school, or volunteer outside of the residence (Level 1, 2 and some 3s)
- Participate in mutual aid or caregiving (All Levels)
- Participate in social, physical or creative activities (All Levels)
- Participate in daily or weekly community activities (All Levels)
- Participate in daily or weekly programming (Level 3’s and 4’s)
21. Engage residents in recovery planning and development of recovery capital
21.a. Evidence that each resident develops and participates in individualized recovery planning that includes an exit plan/strategy
21.b. Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc.
21.c. Written criteria and guidelines explain expectations for peer leadership and mentoring roles.
22. Promote access to community supports
22.a. Resource directories, written or electronic, are made available to residents.
22.b. Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources.
23. Provide mutually beneficial peer recovery support
23.a. A weekly schedule details recovery support services, events and activities.
23.b. Evidence that resident-to resident peer support is facilitated:
- Evidence that residents are taught to think of themselves as peer supporters for others in recovery
- Evidence that residents are encouraged to practice peer support interactions with other residents.
24. Provide recovery support and life skills development services
24.a. Provide structured scheduled, curriculum-driven, and/or otherwise defined support services and life skills development. Trained staff (peer and clinical) provide learning opportunities.
24.b Ongoing performance support and training are provided for staff.
25. Provide clinical services in accordance with state law
25.a. Evidence that the program’s weekly schedule includes clinical
26. Maintain a respectful environment
26.a. Evidence that staff and residents model genuineness, empathy and positive regard
26.b Evidence that mechanisms exist for residents to inform and help guide operations and advocate for community-building.
27.a. Residents are involved in food preparation.
27.b. Residents have a voice in determining with whom they live.
27.c. Residents help maintain and clean the home (chores, etc.).
27.d. Residents share in household expenses
27.e. Community or residence meetings are held at least once a week.
27.f. Residents have access to common areas of the home.
28. Foster ethical, peer-based mutually supportive relationships among residents and staff
NARR was founded in 2011 by a group of organizations and individuals with vast experience in recovery housing from across the country. From the beginning, NARR has been committed to developing and maintaining a national standard for all levels of recovery housing. The term “recovery residence” denotes safe and healthy residential environments in which skills vital for sustaining recovery are learned and practiced in a home-like setting, based on Social Model principles. The Social Model is fundamental to all levels of recovery residences. Social Model philosophy promotes norms that reinforce healthy living skills and associated values, attitudes, and connection with self and community for sustaining recovery. NARR Standard 3.0 operationalizes the Social Model across four Domains, 10 Principles, 31 Standards and their individual rules. The Standard is tailored to each of NARR’s four levels. Version 3 of the NARR Standard does not introduce any operational rules that are not already included in Version 2. Rather, it restates them in a more logical way that improves clarity and eliminates some redundant language
Sober Housing Quality Standards
Administrative Domain
Core Principle: Operate with integrity
[toggle title=”1. Use mission and vision as guides for decision making”]
Use mission and vision as guides for decision making
1.a. A written mission that reflects a commitment to those served and identifies the population served which, at a minimum, includes persons in recovery from a substance use disorder.
1.b. A vision statement that is consistent with NARR’s core principles.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”2. Adhere to legal and ethical codes and use best business practices”]
Adhere to legal and ethical codes and use best business practices
2.a. Documentation of legal business entity (e.g. incorporation, LLC documents or business license).
2.b. Documentation that the owner/operator has current liability coverage and other insurance appropriate to the level of support.
2.c. Written permission from the property owner of record (if the owner is other than the recovery residence operator) to operate a recovery residence on the property.
2.d. A statement attesting to compliance with nondiscriminatory state and federal requirements.
2.e. Operator attests that claims made in marketing materials and advertising will be honest and substantiated and that it does not employ any of the following:
- False or misleading statements or unfounded claims or exaggerations;
- Testimonials that do not reflect the real opinion of the involved individual;
- Price claims that are misleading;
- Therapeutic strategies for which licensure and/or counseling certifications are required but not applicable at the site; or
- Misleading representation of outcomes.
2.f. Policy and procedures that ensure the following conditions are met if the residence provider employs, contracts with or enters into a paid work agreement with residents:
- Paid work arrangements are completely voluntary.
- Residents do not suffer consequences for declining work.
- Residents who accept paid work are not treated more favorably than residents who do not.
- All qualified residents are given equal opportunity for available work.
- Paid work for the operator or staff does not impair participating residents’ progress towards their recovery goals.
- The paid work is treated the same as any other employment situation.
- Wages are commensurate with marketplace value and at least minimum wage.
- The arrangements are viewed by a majority of the residents as fair.
- Paid work does not confer special privileges on residents doing the work.
- Work relationships do not negatively affect the recovery environment or morale of the home.
- Unsatisfactory work relationships are terminated without recriminations that can impair recovery.
2.g Policy and procedure that ensures refunds consistent with the terms of a resident agreement are provided within 10 business days, and preferably upon departure from the home
2.h. Staff must never become involved in residents’ personal financial affairs, including lending or borrowing money, or other transactions involving property or services, except that the operator may make agreements with residents with respect to payment of fees.
2.i. A policy and practice that provider has a code of ethics that is aligned with the NARR code of ethics. There is evidence that this document is read and signed by all those associated with the operation of the recovery residence, to include owners, operators, staff and volunteers.
2.j. Policy and procedures that ensure all residents are age eighteen or older at time of admission.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”3. Be financially honest and forthright”]
Be financially honest and forthright
3.a. Prior to the initial acceptance of any funds, the operator must inform applicants of all fees and charges for which they will be, or could potentially be, responsible. This information needs
to be in writing and signed by the applicant.
3.b. Use of an accounting system which documents all resident financial transactions such as fees, payments and deposits.
- Ability to produce clear statements of a resident’s financial dealings with the operator within reasonable timeframes.
- Accurate recording of all resident charges and payments.
- Payments made by 3rd party payers are noted.
3.c. A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement.
3.d. A policy and practice that residents be informed of payments from 3rd party payers for any fees paid on their behalf.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”4. Collect data for continuous quality improvement”]
4.a. Policies and procedures regarding collection of resident’s information. At a minimum data collection will
- protect individual’s identity.
- be used for continuous quality improvement and
- be part of day-to-day operations and regularly reviewed by staff and residents (where appropriate).
[/toggle]
Core Principle: Uphold Residents’ Rights
[toggle title=”5. Communicate rights and requirements before agreements are signed”]
5.a. Documentation of a process that requires a written agreement prior to committing to terms that includes the following:
- Resident rights
- Financial obligations, and agreements
- Services provided
- Recovery goals
- Relapse policies
- Policies regarding removal of personal property left in the residence
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”6. Protect resident information”]
6.a. Policies and procedures that keep residents’ records secure, with access limited to authorized staff.
[/toggle]
Core Principle: Create a culture of empowerment where residents engage in governance and leadership
[toggle title=”7. Involve residents in governance”]
7.a. Grievance policy and procedures, including the right to take grievances that are not resolved by the house leadership to the operation’s oversight organization for mediation
7.b. Grievance policy and procedures, including the right to take unresolved grievances to the operator’s oversight organization
7.c. Verification that written resident’s rights and requirements (e.g. residence rules and grievance process) are posted or otherwise available in common areas.
7.d. Policies and procedures that promote resident-driven length of stay.
7.e. Evidence that residents have opportunities to be heard in the governance of the residence; however, decision making remains with the operator.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”8. Promote resident involvement in a developmental approach to recovery”]
8.a. Peer support interactions among residents are facilitated to expand responsibilities for personal and community recovery.
8.b. Written responsibilities, role descriptions, guidelines and/or feedback for residence leaders.
8.c. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated.
8.d. Policies and procedures that defend residents’ fair housing rights
[/toggle]
Core Principle: Develop Staff Abilities to Apply the Social Model
[toggle title=”9. Staff model and teach recovery skills and behaviors”]
9.a. Evidence that management supports staff members maintaining self-care.
9.b. Evidence that staff are supported in maintaining appropriate boundaries according to a code of conduct.
9.c. Evidence that staff are encouraged to have a network of support.
9.d.Evidence that staff are expected to model genuineness, empathy, respect, support and unconditional positive regard.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”10. Ensure potential and current staff are trained or credentialed appropriate to the residence level”]
10.a Policies that value individuals chosen for leadership roles who are versed and trained in the Social Model of recovery and best practices of the profession.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”11. Staff are culturally responsive and competent”]
Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local
community-based resources.
11.a. Policies and procedures that serve the priority population, which at a minimum include persons in recovery from
substance use but may also include other demographic criteria.
11.b. Cultural responsiveness and competence training or certification are provided.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”12. All staff positions are guided by written job descriptions that reflect recovery”]
12.a. Job descriptions include position responsibilities and certification/licensure and/or lived experience credential requirements.
12.b. A resident council or process is in place that ensures resident’s voices can be heard
12.c. Job descriptions include staff responsibilities, eligibility, and knowledge, skills and abilities needed to deliver services.
Ideally, eligibility to deliver services includes lived experience recovering from substance use disorders and the ability to
reflect recovery principles.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”13. Provide Social Model-Oriented Supervision of Staff:”]
13.a. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence
level.
13.b. Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff.
[/toggle]
Physical Environment Domain
Core Principle: Provide a Home-like Environment: The residence is comfortable, inviting, and meets residents’ needs
[toggle title=”14. The residence is comfortable, inviting, and meets residents’ needs”]
14.a. Verification that the residence is in good repair, clean, and well maintained
14.b. Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings.
14.c. Verification that entrances and exits are home‐like vs.institutional or clinical.
14.d. Verification of 70+ sq. feet for the first bed and 50+ sq. feet per additional bed.
14.e. Verification that there are bathroom ratios of 8:1 for women’s and 10:1 for men’s
14.f. Verification that each resident has personal item storage.
14.g. Verification that each resident has food storage space.
14.h. Verification that laundry services are accessible to all residents.
14.i. Verification that all appliances are in safe, working condition.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”15. The living space is conducive to building community”]
15.a. Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents.
15.b. Verification that a comfortable group area provides space for small group activities and socializing
15.c. Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together.
15.d. Verification that entertainment or recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided.
[/toggle]
Core Principle: Promote a Safe and Healthy Environment
[toggle title=”16. Provide an alcohol and illicit drug free environment”]
16.a. Policy prohibits the use of alcohol and/or illicit drug use or seeking.
16.b. Policy lists prohibited items and states procedures for associated searches by staff
16.c. Policy and procedures for drug screening and/or toxicology protocols.
16.d. Policy and procedures that address residents’ prescription and non-prescription medication usage and storage consistent with the residence’s level and with relevant state law.
16.e. Policies and procedures that encourage residents to take responsibility for their own and other residents’ safety and
health.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”17. Promote Home Safety”]
17.a. Operator will attest that electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the property are functional and free of fire and
safety hazards.
17.b. Operator will attest that the residence meets local health and safety codes appropriate to the type of occupancy (e.g. single family or other) OR provide documentation from a government agency or credentialed inspector attesting to the property meeting health and safety standards.
17.c. Verification that the residence has a safety inspection policy requiring periodic verification of
- Functional smoke detectors in all bedroom spaces and elsewhere as code demands,
- Functional carbon monoxide detectors, if residence has gas HVAC, hot water or appliances
- Functional fire extinguishers placed in plain sight and/or clearly marked locations,
- Regular, documented inspections of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers,
- Fire and other emergency evacuation drills take place regularly and are documented (not required for Level I Residences).
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”18. Promote Health”]
18.a. Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence.
18.b Policy regarding exposure to bodily fluids and contagious disease.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”19. Plan for emergencies including intoxication, withdrawal and overdose”]
19.a Verification that emergency numbers, procedures (including overdose and other emergency responses) and evacuation maps are posted in conspicuous locations.
19.b. Documentation that emergency contact information is collected from residents.
19.c. Documentation that residents are oriented to emergency procedures.
19.d. Verification that Naloxone is accessible at each location, and appropriate individuals are knowledgeable and trained in its use.
[/toggle]
Recovery Support Domain
Core Principle: Facilitate Active Recovery and Recovery Community Engagement
[toggle title=”20. Promote meaningful activities”]
20.a. Documentation that residents are encouraged to do at least one of the following:
- Work, go to school, or volunteer outside of the residence (Level 1, 2 and some 3s)
- Participate in mutual aid or caregiving (All Levels)
- Participate in social, physical or creative activities (All Levels)
- Participate in daily or weekly community activities (All Levels)
- Participate in daily or weekly programming (Level 3’s and 4’s)
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”21. Engage residents in recovery planning and development of recovery capital”]
21.a. Evidence that each resident develops and participates in individualized recovery planning that includes an exit plan/strategy
21.b. Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc.
21.c. Written criteria and guidelines explain expectations for peer leadership and mentoring roles.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”22. Promote access to community supports”]
22.a. Resource directories, written or electronic, are made available to residents.
22.b. Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”23. Provide mutually beneficial peer recovery support”]
24.a. A weekly schedule details recovery support services, events and activities.
24.b. Evidence that resident-to resident peer support is facilitated:
- Evidence that residents are taught to think of themselves as peer supporters for others in recovery
- Evidence that residents are encouraged to practice peer support interactions with other residents.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”24. Provide recovery support and life skills development services”]
24.a. Provide structured scheduled, curriculum-driven, and/or otherwise defined support services and life skills development. Trained staff (peer and clinical) provide learning opportunities.
24.b Ongoing performance support and training are provided for staff.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”25. Provide clinical services in accordance with state law”]
25.a. Evidence that the program’s weekly schedule includes clinical
[/toggle]
Core Principle: Model Prosocial Behaviors and Relationship Enhancement Skills
[toggle title=’26. Maintain a respectful environment’]
26.a. Evidence that staff and residents model genuineness, empathy and positive regard
26.b Evidence that mechanisms exist for residents to inform and help guide operations and advocate for community-building.
[/toggle]
Core Principle: Cultivate the Resident’s Sense of Belonging and Responsibility for Community
[toggle title=”27. Sustain a “functionally equivalent family” within the residence by meeting at least 50% of the following:”]
27.a. Residents are involved in food preparation.
27.b. Residents have a voice in determining with whom they live.
27.c. Residents help maintain and clean the home (chores, etc.).
27.d. Residents share in household expenses
27.e. Community or residence meetings are held at least once a week.
27.f. Residents have access to common areas of the home.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”28. Foster ethical, peer-based mutually supportive relationships among residents and staff”]
28.a. Engagement in informal activities is encouraged.
28.b. Community gatherings, recreational events and/or other social activities occur periodically.
28.c. Transition (e.g. entry, phase movement and exit) rituals promote residents’ sense of belonging and confer progressive status and increasing opportunities within the recovery living environment and community.
29. Connect residents to the local community
29.a. Residents are linked to mutual aid, recovery activities and recovery advocacy opportunities.
29.b Residents find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors.
29.c Residents attend mutual aid meetings or equivalent support services in the community.
29.d Documentation that residents are formally linked with the community such as job search, education, family services, health and/or housing programs.
29.e Documentation that resident and staff engage in community relations and interactions to promote kinship with other recovery communities and goodwill for recovery services.
29.f Residents are encouraged to sustain relationships inside the residence and with others in the external recovery community
30.a Preemptive policies address common complaints regarding at least:
- Smoking
- Loitering
- Lewd or offensive language
- Cleanliness of the property
30.b. Parking courtesy rules are documented.