RESIDENTIAL HOMES STANDARDS
NCORR Standards
In 2011, NCORR made history by establishing a national standard for recovery residences. This standard defines the spectrum of recovery oriented housing and services and distinguishes four different types, which are known as “levels” or “levels of support.” The standard was developed through a strength-based and collaborative approach that solicited input from all major regional and national recovery housing organizations. Guidance for the standard was also received from recovery residence providers (some with decades of experience) from across the nation representing all four levels of support and nationally recognized recovery support stakeholders.
NCORR released the second version of the standard in October 2015, and in 2018 released Version 3.0, our current version. The full text is available here. It provides more explicit guidance to providers, including metrics for evaluating the peer support components of a residence’s recovery environment.
Code of Ethics
Operators and staff of residences certified as meeting NCORR standards shall value and respect each resident and put each individual’s recovery strengths and needs at the forefront of all decision making. To meet this obligation, we adhere to the following principles:
1. Assess each potential resident’s strengths and needs, and determine whether the level of support available within the residence is appropriate. Provide assistance to the residents with appropriate referrals.
2. Value diversity and non-discrimination.
3. Provide a safe, homelike environment that meets NCORR Standards.
4. Maintain an alcohol- and illicit-drug-free environment.
5. Honor individuals’ rights to choose their recovery paths within the parameters defined by the residence organization.
6. Protect the privacy, confidentiality and personal rights of each resident.
7. Provide consistent and uniformly applied rules.
8. Provide for the health, safety and welfare of each resident.
9. Take appropriate action to stop intimidation, retribution, bullying, sexual harassment and/or otherwise negative or threatening behavior of residents, staff and visitors within the residence.
10. Provide a fair and consistent practice for drug testing that promotes the residents’ health and recovery, as well as the safety of the recovery environment.
11. Provide a safe environment in which every resident’s specific recovery needs are the main factors in all decision making.
12. Decline taking a primary role in the recovery plans of relatives, close friends, and/or business acquaintances.
13. Maintain clear personal and professional boundaries while operating within the residence’s scope of service, and within professional training or credentials.
14. Sustain an environment that encourages the peace and safety of the surrounding neighborhood at large.
The Code of Ethics must be viewed, understood and signed by all those involved with the operation of the recovery residence: recovery residence owners, operators, staff and volunteers. Individuals subject to this code are obligated to report unethical practices according to the reporting rules set forth by the affiliate.
Quality
The standard defines the essential elements of a properly operated recovery residence that people in recovery should demand.
Access
The standard provides a road map for developing the full spectrum of recovery housing to better match needs and a blue print for housing providers to rise to the occasion.
Choice
The standard empowers informed recovery housing choices with regard to placement and resource allocation.
NCORR Certification
NCORR does not certify recovery residences – affiliates do.
Based on the national standard, NCORR developed a certification program that it licenses to its affiliates. In turn, affiliate organizations are responsible for certifying recovery residences that meet the national standard. See our affiliate resource section for more details around affiliate requirements and the certification process.
Affiliate Services
NCORR has Affiliate Members from coast to coast. Some have be in existence since the 1970s. Other have just recently formed. This makes for a rich mixture of sizes, experiences, regional environments and development needs.
Peer Support
The social model of recovery is the foundation of all recovery residences, so it is no surprise that our peer leaders seek out and highly value peer support. NCORR hosts an open call every month for affiliate peers and stakeholders to share successes and challenges, pose questions and answers, and gain national and local perspectives. Check out the events page for upcoming calls.
Resource Library
NCORR provides a number for resource in our growing learning center. Review our affiliate standards, white papers and advocacy support.
Training and Technical Assistance
Whether you are at the very beginning stages of developing a state/regional organization or you are seeking ongoing support, NCORR can develop a training and technical assistance package that is right for you. Options include but are not limited to consulting, presentations, trainings, and administrative and web support.
