To refer an ATR participant for sober home assistance and placement, authorized portals should complete this referral form and upload any required documentation. Our referral form is password protected, and only Authorized Referral Portals have access to make a referral. Staff and/or resident leaders educate residents about local community-based resources. Policy regarding smoke‐free living environment and/or designated smoking area outside of the residence.

In July 2014, Massachusetts passed legislation that mandates the monitoring and voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes. Effective September 1, 2016, state agencies and their vendors shall only be able to refer clients to certified alcohol and drug free (ADF) housing. Any home not certified will not be able to accept clients from state agencies until certified.

» MASH Standards

Evidence that residents increase recovery capital through such things as recovery support and community service, work/employment, etc. 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 mash certified sober homes to reflect recovery principles. We strive to create a mutual respect and accountability culture where residents can feel comfortable and secure in their journey toward lasting recovery. Through community involvement, holistic wellness practices, and evidence-based therapies, we aim to help our residents build the foundation for a fulfilling and sustainable life in recovery.

Verification that laundry services are accessible to all residents. Evidence that supervisors (including top management) create a positive, productive work environment for staff. Job descriptions require staff to facilitate access to local community-based resources. Peer support interactions among residents are facilitated to expand responsibilities for personal and community recovery.

» Certification

Random drug or alcohol screening will be performed to ensure this sobriety and to help keep residents following the right path. Sober houses in New York provide the transitional housing that is less controlled than a treatment environment but more structured than living alone. In Massachusetts, sober homes and recovery residences are different models for substance abuse recovery.

Evidence that residents have opportunities to be heard in the governance of the residence; however, decision making remains with the operator. Policies and procedures that keep residents’ records secure, with access limited to authorized staff. A policy and practice documenting that a resident is fully informed regarding refund policies prior to the individual entering into a binding agreement.

B. Core Principle: Uphold Residents’ Rights

Policy prohibits the use of alcohol and/or illicit drug use or seeking. Verification that entertainment or recreational areas and/or furnishings promoting social engagement are provided. Verification that kitchen and dining area(s) are large enough to accommodate all residents sharing meals together. Verification that each resident has food storage space. Verification that furnishings are typical of those in single family homes or apartments as opposed to institutional settings. Policies and procedures for ongoing performance development of staff appropriate to staff roles and residence level.

• Recovery homes have proven to have a success rate of 80%—that is a great success rate for recovery from a substance use disorder.
• Peer support interactions among residents are facilitated to expand responsibilities for personal and community recovery.
• In 2007, eight sober home operators established the nonprofit Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing.
• Random drug or alcohol screening will be performed to ensure this sobriety and to help keep residents following the right path.

Policies and procedures that promote resident-driven length of stay. Policies protecting resident and community privacy and confidentiality. Written permission from the property owner of record (if the owner is other than the sober home operator) to operate a sober home on the property. Documentation that the owner/operator has current liability coverage and other insurance appropriate to the level of support.

The House

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. Verification that a meeting space is large enough to accommodate all residents. Policies and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ procedures that serve the priority population, which at a minimum include persons in recovery from substance use but may also include other demographic criteria. Evidence that residents’ recovery progress and challenges are recognized and strengths are celebrated.