Virginia NARR State Affiliate (VARR) | Complete Guide

Virginia NARR State Affiliate: Complete Guide to VARR Certification

The Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR) serves as the official NARR state affiliate for Virginia, providing certification and support for recovery residences throughout the Commonwealth. With significant regulatory changes effective July 1, 2025, making certification mandatory, this comprehensive guide covers everything operators need to know about VARR certification requirements and compliance.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to VARR
2. About the Virginia Association of Recovery Residences
3. Mandatory Certification Requirements (2025)
4. Certification Levels
5. How to Get Certified
6. Benefits of Certification
7. Contact Information
8. Related Resources

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Introduction to VARR

The Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR) is the Commonwealth’s official NARR affiliate, serving as a credentialing entity for state certification through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). VARR certifies recovery residences using NARR Standards 3.0 and a Social Model of Recovery approach.

Critical Update: As of July 1, 2025, recovery residence certification is mandatory in Virginia under SB838 and Virginia Code Section 37.2-431.1. Operating without certification may result in penalties, including a Class 1 misdemeanor.

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About the Virginia Association of Recovery Residences

Mission and Vision

VARR’s mission is to promote quality recovery housing across Virginia by ensuring certified residences meet nationally recognized standards for safety, quality, and ethical operations. The organization supports individuals in recovery by guaranteeing access to high-quality sober living environments.

Key Functions

• Certification: Evaluating and certifying recovery residences using NARR Standards 3.0
• Credentialing: Serving as an approved credentialing entity for DBHDS state certification
• Training: Providing education and support for recovery home operators
• Advocacy: Working with state agencies and legislators on recovery housing policy
• Quality Assurance: Conducting annual inspections to maintain standards

VARR’s Role in State Certification

Under Virginia law, any person, nonprofit organization, or business entity operating a recovery residence must:

1. Meet the qualifications, policies, and practices of a credentialing entity
2. Hold a credential, accreditation, or charter from VARR or Oxford House, Inc.
3. Be certified by DBHDS

VARR serves as the primary credentialing pathway for most recovery residence operators in Virginia.

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Mandatory Certification Requirements (2025)

Legal Requirements

The 2025 Virginia General Assembly enacted changes requiring recovery residences to be certified to legally operate in coordination with state agencies. Key requirements include:

• State Certification: All recovery residences must be certified by DBHDS
• Credentialing: Must hold accreditation from VARR or Oxford House, Inc.
• Penalties: Operating without certification constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor

DBHDS Certification Process

To obtain DBHDS certification, recovery residences must:

1. Submit a completed application on a DBHDS-provided form
2. Provide evidence of accreditation from VARR or Oxford House
3. Demonstrate compliance with minimum square footage requirements (credentialing entity standards or Virginia Code Section 36-105.4, whichever is greater)

Conditional Certification Option

DBHDS has established a Conditional Certification process for operators working toward full accreditation:

• Purpose: Allows time to achieve full accreditation through an approved credentialing body
• Requirements: Documentation showing meaningful steps toward full accreditation
• Check-in: 5-month progress review to determine eligibility for continuation or extension
• Goal: Bridge pathway for operators transitioning to full compliance

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Certification Levels

VARR certifies recovery residences across all four NARR levels of support, each designed to meet different resident needs.

Level I: Peer-Run Recovery Residence

• Structure: Democratically operated with shared leadership
• Staffing: No paid staff; residents manage the home collectively
• Services: Peer support and mutual accountability
• Best For: Individuals with established recovery who need minimal structure

Level II: Monitored Recovery Residence

• Structure: House manager provides oversight and structure
• Staffing: Live-in or on-site staff member (non-clinical)
• Services: Structured environment with house meetings and accountability
• Best For: Individuals who benefit from additional support and oversight

Level III: Supervised Recovery Residence

• Structure: Clinical supervision with recovery support services
• Staffing: Credentialed staff providing recovery support
• Services: Life skills training, case management, connection to treatment
• Best For: Individuals transitioning from treatment who need structured support

Level IV: Service Provider Recovery Residence

• Structure: Intensive support with clinical services available
• Staffing: Licensed clinical staff on-site
• 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 VARR Requirements

Before applying, familiarize yourself with:

• NARR Standards 3.0
• VARR-specific policies and requirements
• Virginia regulatory requirements (DBHDS)
• Square footage requirements per Virginia Code

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Gather comprehensive documentation including:

• Business registration and legal structure documents
• Liability insurance documentation
• Resident handbook and house rules
• Resident rights policies
• Non-discrimination policies
• Staff qualifications and training records
• Financial management policies
• Emergency response procedures
• Physical environment documentation

Step 3: Submit Application

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

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

Step 4: On-Site Inspection

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

• Physical safety and accessibility
• Documentation and record-keeping
• Staff knowledge and training
• Operational compliance
• Resident environment quality

Step 5: Achieve VARR Accreditation

Upon successful review and inspection, VARR issues accreditation. This accreditation is required for the next step.

Step 6: Apply for DBHDS Certification

With VARR accreditation in hand, submit your application to DBHDS for state certification:

• Complete DBHDS application form
• Provide evidence of VARR accreditation
• Demonstrate square footage compliance
• Pay applicable fees

Step 7: Annual Renewal

Certified homes must undergo annual inspections to maintain certification status. Both VARR accreditation and DBHDS certification require regular renewal.

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Benefits of Certification

Legal Compliance

With mandatory certification in effect, VARR accreditation ensures your recovery residence operates legally in Virginia, avoiding potential misdemeanor charges and penalties.

State Agency Coordination

Certified residences can work with state agencies, courts, probation departments, and treatment providers who are required to refer only to certified facilities.

Credibility and Trust

VARR certification demonstrates commitment to quality and safety, building trust with residents, families, and referral sources.

Access to Funding

Many grant programs and funding opportunities require NARR-affiliated certification. VARR accreditation may open doors to state and federal recovery housing funding.

Training and Resources

VARR provides ongoing education and support for certified operators, including:

• NARR Standards training
• Best practices workshops
• Policy development assistance
• Networking opportunities

Quality Improvement Framework

The certification process provides a structured framework for continuous quality improvement, helping operators deliver better outcomes for residents.

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Contact Information

Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR)

• Website: https://www.varronline.org

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

• Recovery Housing Information: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/information-for-providers-about-recovery-residences/
• Application Form: Available through DBHDS website

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR)

• Website: https://narronline.org

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Streamline Your Operations with Sober Living App

Managing a certified recovery residence in Virginia requires tracking extensive compliance requirements and documentation. Sober Living App provides purpose-built software for recovery housing operators, helping you:

• Track Certification Requirements: Maintain organized compliance documentation for both VARR and DBHDS requirements
• Manage Resident Records: Securely store resident information, agreements, and progress notes
• Streamline Billing: Automate rent collection and financial tracking
• Generate Reports: Create reports for annual inspections and audits
• Document Everything: Keep comprehensive records to demonstrate ongoing compliance

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Related Resources

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

• Why It’s a Good Time to Open a Sober Living in Virginia
• Understanding the Changing NARR Regulations for Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia Sober Living Homes
• Join Behave Health at the 2024 Best Practices NARR Conference in Richmond, Virginia

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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. Virginia’s recovery housing regulations are actively evolving. Please verify current requirements with VARR and DBHDS before making operational decisions.