Voluntary Program Establishes First Certified Recovery Support Service in NYS, Offers Individuals Non-Clinical Residential Settings to Assist in Recovery
OASAS Offering up to $5 Million to Certified Recovery Residence Provider Programs
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) announced the adoption of a new certification for recovery residences. This is the first recovery support service to be certified in New York State, and allows recovery residences to voluntarily apply for OASAS certification. This new initiative is designed to expand the continuum of recovery supports throughout the state and emphasizes the importance of recovery as an essential service for individuals impacted by addiction. To support these providers and programs, OASAS is offering up to $5 million in one-time funding through the Opioid Settlement Fund.
“Every individual has a different recovery journey, and our goal is to support them every step of the way,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. “With this new certification, individuals will have another option to meet their recovery needs and will be able to better access the important services that support their overall health and well-being, as well as receive peer support from others who have faced or are facing similar challenges. In addition, we continue to use settlement funding to bring these important services to people across the state, and I urge these providers to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Recovery Residences provide a unique shared living environment for individuals who have a common goal of maintaining and sustaining recovery from substance use disorder. They do not offer clinical services, but instead are designed to foster a residential environment that is physically and emotionally safe and supportive. These support services offer a homelike environment with peer support and help link individuals in recovery to resources and services in the community. Their goal is to support four primary pillars for a life in recovery:
- Health: Making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being, and address the symptoms of addiction.
- Home: A stable and safe place to live.
- Purpose: Taking part in meaningful daily activities and having the independence and resources to participate in society.
- Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.
This new voluntary certification provides Recovery Residences an opportunity to demonstrate that the essential service they provide meets a high standard of safety and quality. In order to be certified, residences must develop written procedures and policies that reflect both locally and nationally recognized standards, including addressing areas such as eligibility criteria, support for those utilizing Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT), appropriate staffing, and linkages to community recovery supports. Residences must ensure they meet local, state, and federal housing laws.
More information about recovery residences can be found here, including the full regulations and guidelines related to these programs.
Upon receiving contingent certification, providers can apply for up for $75,000 per residence site to support the enhancement of these programs, which can be used for various purposes, including supporting services, capital expenses, materials, and staff development. This funding is being made available through the state’s Opioid Settlement Fund, and is available on a first come, first served basis through a request for applications (RFA). More information on the RFA and information on how to apply can be found here.
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.
New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
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