Vermont NARR State Affiliate (VTARR) | Complete Guide

Introduction: What is VTARR?

The Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VTARR) is a nonprofit organization and the official state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) in Vermont. Founded in 2011, VTARR was among the early state affiliates established to bring quality standards and oversight to recovery residences.

VTARR certifies recovery residences based on the national standard established by NARR, ensuring that certified homes provide safe, ethical, and nurturing housing for people in recovery. Through a fair and transparent certification process, VTARR supports people in recovery by guaranteeing access to quality recovery housing options.

About the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences

Mission Statement

VTARR’s mission is to support people in recovery by establishing and maintaining quality standards for recovery residences, providing a fair and transparent certification process, and ensuring that certified homes offer safe, ethical, and supportive environments.

History

• 2011: VTARR founded as one of NARR’s early state affiliates
• Present: Continues to certify and support recovery residences throughout Vermont

Key Functions

• Certification: Managing the certification process based on NARR national standards
• Standards Development: Implementing and maintaining quality standards for recovery housing
• Compliance Monitoring: Conducting inspections and ensuring ongoing adherence to standards
• Resource Provision: Offering support and resources to recovery residence operators
• Advocacy: Working with state agencies to support recovery housing policies

Current Statistics

According to recent state reports:

• 23 locations and 121 beds certified at NARR Level II
• 3 locations and 16 beds certified at NARR Level I
• New Level I recovery residence planned for Rutland City

For more information, visit the official VTARR website or their NARR affiliate page.

NARR Certification Levels

VTARR certifies recovery residences based on NARR’s four levels of support. The Social Model is fundamental to all levels, emphasizing peer support and community-based recovery.

Level I - Peer-Run

• Democratically self-governed homes
• No paid staff on-site
• Residents share all responsibilities
• Minimal structure, maximum peer accountability
• Growing presence in Vermont

Level II - Monitored (Most Common in Vermont)

• House manager provides oversight
• Peer-led environment with defined structure
• Regular house meetings and accountability
• Residents expected to participate in recovery activities
• 23 certified locations in Vermont

Level III - Supervised

• Paid staff provides on-site supervision
• Structured programming and life skills training
• Professional oversight of daily operations
• Higher accountability measures

Level IV - Service Provider

• Licensed clinical treatment component
• Professional clinical staff
• Highest level of structure and clinical support
• Integration with formal treatment services

How to Get Certified in Vermont

Step 1: Understand NARR Standards

Review the NARR National Standard Compendium and familiarize yourself with requirements for:

• Administrative operations and governance
• Physical environment and safety
• Recovery support services
• Good neighbor policies
• Resident rights and protections

Step 2: Determine Your Level of Support

Assess your residence’s operations to determine which NARR level best fits:

• Level of staff involvement
• Programming offered
• Structure and accountability measures
• Clinical services (if any)

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Gather comprehensive documentation including:

• Policies and procedures
• Resident agreements and house rules
• Grievance procedures
• Emergency response protocols
• Fire safety and building code compliance certificates

Step 4: Submit Extensive Documentation

VTARR requires thorough documentation review covering:

• Health and safety standards
• Ethical standards and practices
• Resident policies and procedures
• Fair housing compliance
• Operational integrity documentation

Step 5: Complete On-Site Inspection

VTARR conducts on-site inspections to verify:

• Physical environment meets standards
• Fire safety and building code compliance
• Recovery-supportive atmosphere
• Professional management practices
• Recovery-focused programming

Step 6: Maintain Ongoing Compliance

Upon certification:

• Certification is valid for one year
• Annual reviews required for renewal
• Continuous compliance with NARR standards expected
• Regular inspections ensure ongoing quality

Benefits of VTARR Certification

For Operators

• State Recognition: Certified homes listed with Vermont Department of Health
• Credibility: NARR certification demonstrates commitment to excellence
• Professional Network: Connection to other certified operators
• Training Resources: Access to education and best practices
• Referral Relationships: Enhanced partnerships with treatment providers

For Residents

• Quality Assurance: Homes meet rigorous NARR standards
• Safety: Fire safety, building code, and health standards verified
• Recovery Support: Guaranteed recovery-focused environment
• Fair Treatment: Non-discriminatory practices required
• Grievance Process: Formal procedures for addressing concerns

For Healthcare Partners

• Trusted Referrals: Confidence in quality housing placements
• Continuity of Care: Structured environments support treatment outcomes
• Accountability: Certification ensures ongoing compliance and quality

Vermont State Involvement

Vermont Department of Health

The Vermont Department of Health works with VTARR to:

• Maintain information about certified recovery residences
• Support quality standards in recovery housing
• Coordinate referrals and resources

Legislative Oversight

Vermont’s legislature actively monitors recovery residence quality. The 2025 Assessment of Recovery Residences report provides ongoing evaluation of the state’s recovery housing landscape.

Integration with Treatment System

VTARR certification supports integration with Vermont’s broader substance use disorder treatment system, ensuring that recovery residences serve as an effective bridge between formal treatment and independent living.

Requirements Summary

When a sober living home in Vermont is VTARR certified, it means the home has:

• Met rigorous health, safety, and ethical standards based on NARR guidelines
• Implemented proper resident policies and grievance procedures
• Maintained appropriate fire safety and building code compliance
• Committed to fair housing practices and non-discriminatory operations
• Demonstrated operational integrity and professional management
• Established recovery-focused programming

Contact Information

Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VTARR)

• Website: vtarr.org
• Certification Information: vtarr.org/certification.php
• NARR Standards: vtarr.org/NARR-National-Standards
• Resources: vtarr.org/resources.php
• NARR Affiliate Page: narronline.org/affiliate/vermont-alliance-for-recovery-residences

Managing Your VTARR-Certified Residence

Operating a certified recovery residence requires careful attention to documentation, compliance tracking, and resident management. Sober Living App provides comprehensive software designed specifically for recovery residence operators, helping you:

• Track resident progress and recovery milestones
• Manage drug testing schedules and results
• Maintain compliance documentation for annual reviews
• Streamline billing and rent collection
• Generate reports for VTARR inspections and renewals

Related Resources

• Everything You Need to Know About Opening a Sober Living Home in Vermont
• National Alliance for Recovery Residences
• NARR Standards

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals for specific guidance related to recovery residences and certification requirements.

Last Updated: January 22, 2026