South Carolina NARR State Affiliate (SCARR) | Complete Guide
South Carolina Alliance of Recovery Residences (SCARR) - South Carolina's NARR affiliate for recovery housing certification. Requirements, levels, benefits, and how to get certified.
South Carolina NARR State Affiliate: A Complete Guide to SCARR Certification
Introduction
The South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting persons in recovery by upholding standards of excellence for recovery residences in South Carolina. As directed by Act 160 of 2024, SCARR has been approved by the BHDD Office of Substance Use Services to develop and administer a voluntary certification program for recovery houses.
Value Proposition: This comprehensive guide provides recovery residence operators with everything needed to understand SCARR certification requirements, the application process, fees, and the critical importance of certification under South Carolina’s new legislation.
Table of Contents:
- About South Carolina Alliance of Recovery Residences (SCARR)
- Act 160 of 2024: Critical Certification Requirements
- NARR Certification Levels
- How to Get Certified
- Certification Fees
- Benefits of SCARR Certification
- Compliance and Best Practices
- Contact Information and Resources
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
About South Carolina Alliance of Recovery Residences (SCARR)
Mission and Purpose
SCARR is dedicated to:
- Supporting persons in recovery throughout South Carolina
- Upholding standards of excellence for recovery residences
- Providing ongoing education and resources
- Serving the recovery community at large
Standards Framework
SCARR develops and enforces standards based on nationally recognized quality frameworks, including NARR Standard 3.0. These standards ensure recovery residences provide:
- Safe, dignified housing environments
- Alcohol and drug-free living spaces
- Recovery-supportive programming
- Ethical and transparent operations
State Authorization
As directed by Act 160 of 2024, SCARR has been approved by the BHDD Office of Substance Use Services as the certifying body for recovery housing in South Carolina.
Act 160 of 2024: Critical Certification Requirements
Understanding the New Law
Act 160 of 2024 established a credentialing process for recovery housing in South Carolina. While certification remains voluntary, the law creates significant incentives for becoming certified.
Key Provisions
Court Referrals South Carolina courts may NOT require individuals to enter recovery housing as a condition of probation or bond unless the facility is credentialed under Act 160.
State Agency Referrals State agencies may only refer individuals to credentialed housing.
DAODAS Funding Recovery Housing Assistance funds from DAODAS can only be used in SCARR-certified homes or Oxford Houses.
Registry Requirement
SCARR is required to:
- Publish a registry of all certified recovery housing on its website
- Update the registry at least every 60 days
- Maintain accurate information for public access
What This Means for Operators
If you want to:
- Receive court referrals
- Get state agency referrals
- Access DAODAS Recovery Housing Assistance funds
- Be listed on the official registry
You must be SCARR certified or an Oxford House.
NARR Certification Levels
SCARR certifies recovery residences according to NARR’s four levels of support.
Level 1: Peer-Run Recovery Residences
- Resident-operated homes
- Democratic governance structure
- No paid staff required
- Peer accountability and support
- Self-supporting operations
Level 2: Monitored Recovery Residences
- House manager provides oversight
- Regular monitoring of activities
- Structured house rules
- Connection to recovery services
- Drug testing protocols
Level 3: Supervised Recovery Residences
- 24/7 staff presence
- Paid staff providing support
- Structured programming
- Service coordination
- Higher accountability standards
Level 4: Service Provider Recovery Residences
- Clinical services integrated
- Credentialed staff required
- Intensive support services
- Comprehensive programming
- Licensed facility standards may apply
How to Get Certified with SCARR
Step 1: Review Standards
Before applying:
- Study SCARR and NARR Standard 3.0 requirements
- Assess current operations against standards
- Develop compliant policies and procedures
- Prepare required documentation
Step 2: Pay Application Fee
To begin the certification process:
- Pay the nonrefundable application fee of $50
- This initiates your application review
Step 3: Submit Documentation
During the application process, SCARR requires supporting documentation:
- Organizational policies and procedures
- Resident agreements and house rules
- Staff qualifications and training records
- Safety compliance documentation
- Insurance verification
Step 4: Document Review
The first phase of accreditation involves:
- Thorough review of all submitted documents
- Assessment for evidence of compliance
- Identification of any deficiencies
- Communication of findings
Step 5: On-Site Compliance Visit
SCARR conducts on-site inspections to verify:
- Physical facility compliance
- Safety standards implementation
- Operational practices
- Recovery-supportive environment
Step 6: Training Requirements
Upon completing onsite compliance:
- Residence owner, manager, and staff training must be completed
- Staff complete the recovery housing module after certification
- Ongoing training requirements apply
Step 7: Certification Issuance
After completing compliance review and training:
- Pay certification fee: $200 plus $5 per bed over 10 beds
- SCARR issues Certificate of Compliance
- Home is listed on SCARR registry
Post-Certification Requirements
After certification, you must:
- Embed a link to the SCARR Grievance form on your website
- Post “Resident Rights & Responsibilities” in each location
- Maintain compliance with all standards
- Prepare for audit and grievance inspections (may occur without advance notice)
Certification Fees
Fee Structure
- Application Fee: $50 (nonrefundable)
- Certification Fee: $200
- Additional Bed Fee: $5 per bed over 10 beds
Example Calculations
- 8-bed home: $50 + $200 = $250 total
- 15-bed home: $50 + $200 + $25 (5 beds x $5) = $275 total
- 20-bed home: $50 + $200 + $50 (10 beds x $5) = $300 total
Fee Timing
- Application fee due at submission
- Certification fee due before Certificate of Compliance is issued
Benefits of SCARR Certification
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Under Act 160 of 2024, certification provides:
- Eligibility for court referrals
- State agency referral access
- DAODAS funding eligibility
- Official registry listing
Funding Access
- DAODAS Recovery Housing Assistance funds
- Potential grant opportunities
- State program participation
- Enhanced funding credibility
Referral Networks
- Court and probation referrals
- State agency referrals
- Treatment center partnerships
- Healthcare provider connections
Credibility and Trust
- National recognition through NARR
- State recognition through SCARR
- Demonstrates commitment to quality
- Builds trust with families and residents
Operational Excellence
- Clear standards for quality programs
- Access to training resources
- Connection to certified operator network
- Continuous improvement framework
Compliance and Best Practices
Key Compliance Areas
Resident Rights
- Post “Resident Rights & Responsibilities” in each location
- Ensure residents understand their rights
- Implement fair grievance procedures
- Protect resident dignity and privacy
Grievance Process
- Embed SCARR Grievance form link on website
- Respond promptly to grievances
- Document all grievance processes
- Cooperate with SCARR investigations
Safety Standards
- Meet fire safety requirements
- Maintain adequate safety equipment
- Develop emergency response plans
- Conduct regular safety inspections
Documentation
- Keep accurate resident records
- Document all policies and procedures
- Maintain training records
- Prepare for unannounced audits
10-Point Compliance Checklist
- Maintain current SCARR certification
- Post Resident Rights & Responsibilities prominently
- Embed SCARR Grievance form on website
- Complete all required training
- Keep documentation organized and accessible
- Conduct regular safety inspections
- Maintain accurate resident records
- Stay current on SC regulatory changes
- Prepare for audit inspections at any time
- Engage in continuous improvement
Using Technology for Compliance
Sober Living App helps South Carolina recovery residences:
- Track resident information securely
- Manage drug testing schedules and results
- Document house meetings and activities
- Generate reports for SCARR certification
- Maintain organized records for inspections
Contact Information and Resources
South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR)
Website: https://scarronline.org
Application Process: https://scarronline.org/certified-residence-application-process/
About SCARR: https://scarronline.org/about-us-2/
Certified Listings: https://scarronline.org/certified-listings/
NARR Affiliate Page
https://narronline.org/affiliate/south-carolina-alliance-for-recovery-residences/
South Carolina DAODAS
For information about recovery services and funding: https://www.daodas.sc.gov/services/recovery/
National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)
Website: https://narronline.org
Related Resources
For more information about operating a recovery residence in South Carolina:
- FAQ About Opening a Sober Living Business in South Carolina
- Regulatory News Stories for NARR Sober Living Homes in Minnesota, South Carolina, and Alabama
Conclusion
SCARR certification has become essential for recovery residences operating in South Carolina following Act 160 of 2024. Certification ensures your home can receive court and state agency referrals, access DAODAS funding, and be listed on the official state registry.
Ready to streamline your certification process? Sober Living App provides the tools you need to manage residents, track compliance, and maintain the documentation required for SCARR certification.
Last Updated: January 22, 2026
Meet NARR standards with ease
Sober Living App aligns with NARR best practices to help you achieve and maintain quality certification.
Nearby Southeast States
Explore NARR affiliates and certification requirements in other southeast states:
Related Articles
Alabama NARR State Affiliate (AARR) | Complete Guide
Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences (AARR) - Alabama's NARR affiliate for recovery housing certification. Requirements, levels, benefits, and how to get certified.
Arkansas NARR State Affiliate | Recovery Housing Certification Guide
Arkansas recovery housing certification guide. No NARR affiliate yet - learn about national certification options and what to expect for sober living homes.
Understanding National Regulations on Sober Living Homes in the United States - Part 1
Learn about US sober living home regulations (Part 1). Covers licensing, voluntary certifications & referral rules impacting recovery residences nationwide.