☑️ NARR-Affiliate Certification
This article describes NARR-Affiliate Certification.
National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)
The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) is a non-profit organization founded in 2011, dedicated to expanding the availability of high-quality recovery housing in the United States. NARR's mission is to support persons in recovery from addiction by improving the availability and quality of recovery residences through effective support, standards, quality improvement, education, and research. The organization unites and supports state-level affiliate organizations that represent recovery housing providers, and it establishes and maintains a national set of quality standards for recovery residences.
NARR works closely with its affiliate organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders to advocate for the implementation of evidence-based practices, regulations, and policies that support recovery housing. The organization provides guidance on the development and operation of recovery residences and offers a certification process based on the NARR standards, which helps ensure the provision of safe and supportive living environments for individuals in recovery. By promoting a unified voice for the recovery housing industry and advocating for effective policies and practices, NARR aims to improve the lives of those affected by addiction and foster strong communities nationwide.
NARR Levels
NARR's four levels of recovery residences provide a continuum of care for individuals in recovery, ranging from peer-run residences with minimal professional staff involvement to service provider residences with a high level of professional support services. Each level has its own set of quality standards that must be met to ensure a safe and supportive living environment for individuals in recovery.
The new chart
Level I - Peer-Run Recovery Residence
- Typically peer-run with minimal professional staff involvement
- Residents are expected to attend 12-step meetings and support each other in their recovery
- The house may provide basic recovery support services such as transportation or employment assistance
- The house is expected to comply with NARR's quality standards for peer-run recovery residences.
Level II - Monitored Recovery Residence
- May have a paid house manager or other professional staff
- The house may offer more structured support services, such as drug testing or case management
- Residents are still expected to attend 12-step meetings and support each other in their recovery
- The house is expected to comply with NARR's quality standards for monitored recovery residences.
Level III - Supervised Recovery Residence
- Has a significant professional staff involvement, such as a licensed therapist or counselor
- May offer more intensive recovery support services, such as individual therapy or group counseling
- The house may have more rules and regulations in place to ensure a safe and supportive environment
- The house is expected to comply with NARR's quality standards for supervised recovery residences.
Level IV - Service Provider Recovery Residence
- Provides a high level of professional support services, such as clinical treatment, medication-assisted treatment, or psychiatric care
- The house may have a licensed treatment provider on staff or a partnership with a local treatment center
- The house may have additional amenities or features, such as fitness facilities or recreational activities
- The house is expected to comply with NARR's quality standards for service provider recovery residences.
📋 Certification Policy
Certification Policy: Please visit our House Policies article for more information.
Certification Process: General
Contact Certification Agency
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Connect with whomever will be doing the certification
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Get a list of their requirements
Prepare Submission
Review their list of required paperwork. Begin to assemble the packet.
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Review our notes in the Handbook page for the state in 🗺️ State-Specific Resources
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Find the page for your state
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Find the specific page for certification in your state
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Review resources in the Operator Resources > Certification Documents
Insurance
This should briefly summarize the insurance policy stuff in this article focusing on the steps required to get a new policy or whatever. Remember: MECE
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Contact the insurance agency
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Add the property to the policy by sending the required information
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Property address
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Number of beds
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Size of home
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Other required details
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- Request the agency send a binder
Instructions: 📃 How to Manage Sober House Insurance
Certificate of Municipal Liens
Most certification agencies require a recent Certificate of Municipal Liens (CML or MLC) to prove there are no back taxes or other city charges. This is ordered from the city for a fee and takes a few weeks to come in.
Owner Permission Letter
Most certification agencies require an Owner Permission Letter. A draft of this letter is contained in Operator Resources > Certification Documents.
Recommendation Letter
Most certification agencies require a letter of recommendation from a local community member. Details are in Operator Resources > Certification Documents.
Paperwork
Template paperwork is in Operator Resources > Certification Documents > Comprehensive Policies & Procedures
Prepare for Inspection
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Review checklist
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Hang posters
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Etc.
Physical Inspection
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Attend the physical inspection
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Address any issues
Certification
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Notify VH staff that you are certified
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Marketing will add to website, etc.
Benefits of Certification
Industry Leadership
Achieving certification ensures that we are recognized as a leader in our field. This distinction sets us apart from competitors and highlights our commitment to excellence.
Reputation and Validation
Certification serves as a powerful endorsement of our mission and practices. It enhances our reputation, providing validation from respected authorities in the industry. This recognition can lead to numerous ancillary benefits, including increased trust from clients and stakeholders.
Access to Grants
In many states, certification can open doors to grant opportunities. While it does not relate to insurance, and Sober Living homes do not accept insurance, certification can significantly enhance our eligibility for various grant programs, supporting our growth and sustainability.
Certification Process: By State
We are in the process of building out a state by state guide for certification including descriptions of any nuances in place with certifying in a particular state.
- Create a table for this
Chart
☑️ Standards | 🔎 Inspection Documents | 📥 Application | 📥 Documents | |
Massachusetts | Link to Standards | "On-Site Review Checklist" | Link to App | |
Maine | Link to Resources (standards) | "Physical Plant Checklist" | r | |
Massachusetts: MASH
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Contact MASH
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Ask for a description of the certification process
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Prepare the information they need
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Get from Vanderburgh House what we can provide
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A
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B
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C
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Send to MASH