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Certification Checklist

Proof of Insurance

Should ONLY be the commercial liability insurance binder from the operators insurance company or the Declaration page of the operators policy. It MUST list the name of the program, the address of the sober living home(s) and be current for a year from the date issued.

Attestation letter from the owner of the property if the home is a rental.

The attestation should reflect that the lessor understands and gives permission for the house to be used for sober living.

Mission Statement/ Vision Statement

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

Client Agreement

Represents the agreement between the Sober Living Home and the client for home expectations ONLY. It can include all the amenities and other expectations provided by the Sober Living Home including: house curfews, house meetings, and optional workshops. In addition, may list items provided by the Sober Living Home such as: household items, beds, dressers, food, etc. Also include the items prohibited in the home.  It should include the total of 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 the operators are encouraged to include the rules for discharge/termination of the client agreement.  . Fees should be presented in a separate document. The client agreement serves as a legal and binding contract between the client and Sober Living Home and therefore must contain an area for the signatures of both parties to sign and date.

Policies and Procedures

*This area must include ALL the following:

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. Refund Policy

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

(Separate document within the Policies and Procedures)

C. Personal Property Disposition

Section should describe what happens to the client’s belongings if left at the residence in the event of the client being discharged from the sober living home program. 

D. 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.

E. Searches of Prohibited/Hazardous Items

Section should indicate what happens in the event of a client’s 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.

F. 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>

G. Medication Use Policy

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

H. Written Clients Rights

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

Declaration of Non-Discrimination

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

Example of Non-discrimination Statement and Policy:

[Sober Living 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.

Managers Job Description

Should indicate the operating standards of the Sober Living Home as well as the responsibilities of the House Manager. 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 clients, and the process for documenting events. Please be clear when stating the role of the House Manager.

Code of Ethics

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

Emergency Procedures

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.

Grievance Policy and Procedure

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