W.A.S.H. STEPS TO CERTIFICATION

The  certification process has been designed to ensure that all 31 of the NARR Standards have been met and are in practice within all recovery residences operated by the applicant organization.  Completion of the certification process will require that documentation of the following items are provided in some fashion. 

 Should ONLY be an Insurance Binder from the homes insurance company or the Declaration page of the homes policy. It MUST list the name of the owner of the property or the name of the Recovery/Sober Home and be current for a year from the date listed.

 The lease should reflect that the lessor understands and gives permission for the house to be used for Recovery.

 Must contain the mission or the vision of the Recovery home. This is a simple statement of the values and the purpose of the Recovery Home.

 Represents the agreement between the Recovery Home and the Recoveree for home expectations ONLY (excluding any payment arrangement). It can include all the amenities and other expectations provided by the Recovery Home including: house curfews, house meetings, and optional workshops. In addition, may list items provided by the Recovery Home such as: household items, beds, dressers, food, etc. Also include the items prohibited in the home. Fees should be presented in a separate document. The Recoveree Agreement serves as a legal and binding contract between the Recoveree and Recovery Home and therefore must contain an area for the signatures of both parties to sign and date.

*The Policies and Procedures must include, at a minimum, the following sections:

A. House Rules

This area is to include all the rules of the house. Examples: house curfews, laundry hours, whether smoking is permitted, if visitors are permitted, dress code, etc. Also, consequences for failing to comply with these rules should be indicated in this document.

B. Recoveree Membership Agreement

The living agreement is a contract for rent between the Recovery Home and the Recoveree. It should include the total of living fees being charged, how often it is paid, to whom it is paid, the recommended method of payment, and when it is to be paid. It must also indicate the consequence in the event of missed or late payments with fees if any. Within this document homeowners are encouraged to include the rules for eviction/termination of the membership agreement.

C. Refund Policy

Document MUST be concise and clearly stated. Included are refunds for any money given on behalf of the Recoveree for fees in ANY event. This is a legal and binding contract between the Recoveree and Recovery Homeowner and therefore must contain an area for the signatures of both parties to sign and date.

(Separate document within the Policies and Procedures)

D. Personal Property Disposition

Section should indicate the process in the event of an termination of the membership agreement and what happens to the Recoveree’ belongings if left at the residence once terminated.

E. Alcohol/Drug Use/Relapse Procedure

Section should indicate what happens in the event of the use of alcohol, drugs, or relapse. Be clear of the actions taken during this process.

F. Searches of Prohibited/Hazardous Items

Section should indicate what happens in the event of a Recoveree’ property or room search. It should indicate the steps taken during the search and what the process is after the search. Be clear when listing actions to be taken.

G. Urine Screens

Section must indicate the purpose of the urine screen, the outcome of the urine screen if any, how urine screens are logged and documented, and when they will be conducted. Be clear when listing information./span>

H. Medication Use Policy

Must indicate how Recoveree medication is stored, how the Recoveree can obtain their medication when needed, and any other information needed for Recoveree who are on any medications. Be clear when listing information for the medication policy.

I. Written Recoveree Rights

List of rights the Recoveree have while staying in the home. These rights are different from the house expectations. The expectations of the house should state the do’s and don’ts of the house itself. Example: Recoveries have the right to live in a safe and sober environment free from physical violence. Be clear of the rights of the Recoveree.

 Document should indicate the Sober/Recovery Home will not discriminate against anyone for any reason.

Example of Non-discrimination Statement and Policy:

[Recovery Home Name] does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

 Should indicate the operating standards of the Recovery Home as well as the responsibilities of the House Manager, Staff, or any Responsible Party. These responsibilities must include working hours, what protocols the house manager is responsible for executing or overseeing, the expectation of the house manager in the in case of an emergency, how to handle challenges within the house or with residents, and the process for documenting events. 

 Must represent the Recovery Home own code of ethics but should align with WASH and NARR code of ethics. You are welcome and encouraged to refer to the WASH code of ethics, but please do not use the WASH logo. 

 Should indicate the House Address and Staff Numbers. Should be a clear document stating specific protocols and contact information. This is in case of an emergency, so anyone should clearly read the information quickly and at a glance.

 Should indicate the House Address and Staff Numbers. Should be a clear document stating specific protocols and contact information. This is in case of an emergency, so anyone should clearly read the information quickly and at a glance.

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