Levels of Support

FARR does not offer a rating scale as it regards the efficacy or valuation of any individual Certified Residence. Our mission is to ensure the availability of housing that is:

safe and dignified
alcohol and drug free
a peer supportive environment
a good neighbor and responsible citizen

NARR Standards and Code of Ethics serve as guides for how best to achieve these four goals and provide a basis for service provider accountability to an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to upholding the resident’s right to access high quality, recovery-oriented housing. Some support levels are more organically ‘peer-supportive’ than others and, when selecting a program, individual residents are ‘best’ served by first gaining a deeper appreciation of defining criteria for each level.

FARR recognizes four distinct support levels under the singular term Recovery Residence. One level is not better or more advanced than the others, but instead offers a unique service structure most appropriate for a particular resident.

NARR Levels I, II, III and IV should not be confused with terminology specific to the Florida Department of Children and Families – Substance Abuse licensure and regulation of behavioral healthcare providers. NARR Levels do not correspond to licensing categories as presented under Department Rule 65D-30 F.A.C. NARR Levels I, II, III & IV clarify Consumer and Continuum of Care Coordinator expectations for services, support and supervision provided by a recovery residence certified to be compliant with the NARR Quality Standards and Code of Ethics.

I

Level I residences are perhaps best exemplified by the Oxford House model. Individuals who enter Level I homes have a high recovery capital. Level I homes are democratically run by the members who reside in the home through a guided P&P manual or charter.

II

Level II residences encompass the traditional perspective of sober living homes. There is oversight from a house manager with lived experience typically a senior resident. Residents are expected to follow the rules outlined in the resident handbook, pay their dues, and work on achieving milestones within a chosen recovery path.

III

Level III homes offer higher supervision by staff with formal training to ensure resident accountability. Level III homes offer peer-support services. No clinical services are performed at the residence. The services offered usually include life skill mentoring, recovery planning, & meal preparation. This support structure is most appropriate for residents who require a more structured environment during early recovery from addiction.

IV

Level IV residences blend the Clinical Model (licensable services) into the Social Model to varying degrees. In Florida, by virtue of state statute 65.397, Level IV residences are required to obtain and maintain appropriate outpatient licensure from the Department of Children & Family Services (DCF). Residents are required to follow a treatment plan, attend groups, and individual sessions in addition to developing a recovery plan within the social model of recovery spectrum.

A Primer on Recovery Residences - FAQs from NARR

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