In July 2014, Massachusetts passed legislation that mandates the monitoring and voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes. The law states that although a sober home is not required to be certified to operate, a state agency or vendor with a statewide contract to provide treatment services, or a state agency or officer setting conditions for release, parole or discharge, may not refer a person to a residence that is not certified. 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. A contract was awarded to the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) to be the certifying body, and the training and technical assistance vendor.
What are the benefits of certifying your sober home with MASH? Here are just a few:
• With your sober home listed on the MASH website, you are eligible for referrals from state agencies. To read more about referral sources, visit our FAQ page.
• You’re directly connected to the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and its national resources
• You’re able to participate in member calls
• You can network with other operators and MASH staff
• As an associate of a statewide organization with national standards, you boost your legitimacy as a sober home operator
• You raise critical awareness and credibility for sober housing
• You support the needs of recovering people as vital members of the community
Have questions about certification or becoming a sober home operator? You can always contact us.