Rhode Island NARR State Affiliate (RICARES) | Complete Guide

Rhode Island NARR State Affiliate: Complete Guide to RICARES Certification

Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts (RICARES) serves as the official NARR state affiliate for Rhode Island, providing certification and support for recovery residences throughout the state. This comprehensive guide covers everything operators need to know about RICARES certification, requirements, and the benefits of becoming a certified recovery residence in Rhode Island.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to RICARES
2. About RI Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts
3. Certification Levels
4. How to Get Certified
5. Benefits of Certification
6. BHDDH Partnership
7. Contact Information
8. Related Resources

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Introduction to RICARES

Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts (RICARES) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction. As the official Rhode Island affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR), RICARES is responsible for the recovery housing certification program in Rhode Island.

RICARES understands that safe and affordable housing is a key part of Recovery Support Services and works to ensure all recovery houses meet national certification standards, providing individuals in recovery with quality sober living environments.

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About RI Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts

Mission and Vision

RICARES’ mission is to advance addiction recovery in Rhode Island through advocacy, community engagement, and service. The organization supports individuals in recovery by ensuring access to high-quality sober living environments and comprehensive recovery support services.

Key Functions

• Certification: Evaluating and certifying recovery residences using NARR standards
• Quality Assurance: Conducting inspections to ensure ongoing compliance
• Advocacy: Working to advance recovery-friendly policies in Rhode Island
• Community Engagement: Building connections between recovery resources
• Education: Providing training and resources for operators
• Advocacy Workshops: Launching programs to help people in recovery share their stories and engage in policy advocacy

Broader Recovery Support

Beyond recovery housing certification, RICARES provides comprehensive support for Rhode Island’s recovery community, including:

• Recovery community organizing
• Advocacy training and workshops
• Connection to recovery resources
• Family support services
• Volunteer opportunities

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Certification Levels

RICARES certifies recovery residences using NARR’s national standards, which include four levels of support based on staffing, structure, and services provided.

Level I: Peer-Run Recovery Residence

• Structure: Democratically operated with shared leadership among residents
• Staffing: No paid staff; peer-managed environment
• Services: Peer support and mutual accountability
• Best For: Individuals with established recovery who thrive in peer-run environments

Level II: Monitored Recovery Residence

• Structure: House manager provides oversight and structure
• Staffing: Staff member on-site (non-clinical role)
• Services: Structured environment with house meetings and accountability measures
• Best For: Individuals who benefit from additional oversight
• Note: Level II homes supporting individuals on MAT may qualify for BHDDH funding

Level III: Supervised Recovery Residence

• Structure: Supervised environment with professional recovery support
• Staffing: Credentialed staff providing recovery support services
• Services: Life skills training, case management, connection to treatment
• Best For: Individuals transitioning from treatment who need structured support
• Note: Level III homes supporting individuals on MAT may qualify for BHDDH funding

Level IV: Service Provider Recovery Residence

• Structure: Intensive support with clinical services
• Staffing: Licensed clinical staff available
• Services: Comprehensive recovery support with clinical oversight
• Best For: Individuals requiring significant support during early recovery

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How to Get Certified

Step 1: Review NARR Standards

Before applying, thoroughly familiarize yourself with NARR’s national quality standards. Key areas include:

• Administrative policies and procedures
• Resident rights and responsibilities
• Physical environment requirements
• Health and safety protocols
• Financial management practices
• Staff qualifications

Step 2: Determine Your Level

Evaluate your residence’s operations to determine which NARR level best describes your services:

• Consider staffing structure
• Evaluate services provided
• Assess resident needs you serve
• Review governance model

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Gather comprehensive documentation including:

• Business registration and legal structure documents
• Insurance documentation
• Resident handbook and house rules
• Resident rights policies
• Non-discrimination policies
• Staff qualifications (if applicable)
• Financial policies
• Emergency response procedures
• Physical environment documentation

Step 4: Submit Application

Complete and submit the RICARES certification application with all supporting documentation. The application requires detailed information about:

• Governance structures
• Operational policies
• Staff qualifications
• Physical environment
• Resident services
• Financial practices

Step 5: On-Site Inspection

RICARES conducts comprehensive on-site inspections to verify compliance with safety standards. Inspectors evaluate:

• Physical safety and accessibility
• Documentation and record-keeping
• Staff knowledge and qualifications
• Resident environment quality
• Overall compliance with NARR standards

Step 6: Certification Decision

After review, RICARES issues a certification decision. If deficiencies are identified, you will have the opportunity to address them and resubmit.

Step 7: Ongoing Compliance

Certified homes must maintain compliance with NARR standards through:

• Annual inspections
• Updated documentation
• Continuous quality improvement
• Staff training and development

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Benefits of Certification

BHDDH Reimbursement Eligibility

Certified Recovery Houses through RICARES are able to receive reimbursement for services from the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH) while funding is available. This represents a significant financial benefit for certified operators.

State Funding Access

BHDDH periodically seeks vendors of recovery residences certified at NARR standards for funding opportunities. Recent solicitations have specifically sought:

• Level II certified residences
• Level III certified residences
• Residences that support individuals receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

Important: All vendors applying for BHDDH funds must have current, active certification through RICARES prior to the start of any contract.

Recovery Housing Directory Listing

RICARES maintains an alphabetical list of certified recovery houses in Rhode Island, providing visibility to:

• Individuals seeking recovery housing
• Families searching for quality options
• Treatment providers making referrals
• Courts and probation departments

The directory includes information about:

• Gender served
• NARR Level
• Open beds
• Weekly fees

Credibility and Trust

RICARES certification signals commitment to quality and safety, building trust with:

• Residents and families
• Referral sources
• Community stakeholders
• State agencies

Training and Support

RICARES provides resources and support for certified operators, including connection to training opportunities and best practices in recovery housing.

Advocacy Support

RICARES advocates for recovery housing and recovery community needs at the state level. In 2026, RICARES is launching advocacy workshops to help people in recovery and allies:

• Learn how to share their stories effectively
• Understand legislation affecting recovery
• Use their voices to create positive change

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BHDDH Partnership

State Certification Program

The Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH) works with RICARES to ensure quality recovery housing across the state. The certification process requires:

1. Accreditation through RICARES using NARR standards
2. Compliance with state requirements
3. Ongoing quality assurance

Funding Opportunities

BHDDH periodically releases funding solicitations for recovery residences. Recent opportunities have focused on:

• Level II and Level III certified residences
• Residences supporting individuals on medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Expansion of recovery housing capacity

Requirement: Current, active RICARES certification is required to apply for BHDDH funding opportunities.

MAT-Supportive Housing

Rhode Island has prioritized recovery housing that supports individuals receiving medication-assisted treatment. RICARES-certified residences that welcome MAT residents may have enhanced access to:

• BHDDH funding opportunities
• Referrals from treatment providers
• State program participation

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Contact Information

Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts (RICARES)

• Website: https://ricares.org
• About RICARES: https://ricares.org/about-ricares/
• Certified Recovery Houses: https://ricares.org/certified-recovery-houses-in-ri/
• Resources: https://ricares.org/resources/

Rhode Island BHDDH

• Recovery Housing Certification: https://bhddh.ri.gov/substance-useaddiction/recovery-services/recovery-housing-certification

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

• Website: https://narronline.org
• RICARES Affiliate Page: https://narronline.org/affiliate/rhode-island-communities-for-addiction-recovery-efforts/

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Streamline Your Operations with Sober Living App

Managing a certified recovery residence in Rhode Island requires tracking compliance requirements, resident data, and operational details. Sober Living App provides purpose-built software for recovery housing operators, helping you:

• Track Certification Requirements: Stay organized with compliance documentation and inspection schedules
• Manage Resident Records: Securely store resident information, agreements, and progress notes
• Streamline Billing: Automate rent collection and financial tracking
• Generate Reports: Create reports for RICARES inspections and BHDDH funding applications
• Track Bed Availability: Maintain accurate open bed counts for directory listings
• Document MAT Support: Track and document support for residents on medication-assisted treatment

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Related Resources

Looking for more information about operating a recovery residence in Rhode Island? Check out these related articles:

• Thinking of Opening a Sober Living Home in Rhode Island
• Sober Living Home Regulations for NARR Affiliate Operators in Montana, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Vermont
• Opioid Settlement Funding Updates for Sober Living Homes in Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island

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Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Requirements and funding opportunities may change. Please verify current information with RICARES and BHDDH.