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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 20, 2014 09:20 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tina M. Davis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | REGULATION AND CERTIFICATION OF RECOVERY HOUSES |
| I intend to introduce legislation providing for the regulation and certification of recovery houses, sometimes referred to as “sober” or “transitional” houses. The purpose of these facilities is to provide support for those suffering from addiction when they leave inpatient treatment or correctional facilities. While many recovery houses meet this goal through various services, others are owned and operated by landlords whose facilities are basically “warehouses” with little to no oversight or programs. With the depressed housing market in recent years, many homes were purchased cheaply and then turned into recovery houses simply by adding bunk beds to provide more sleeping space. They provide no services or programs and are basically flop houses. Consequently, many of the residents, lacking the structure and support to continue to work on their recovery, relapse. In some cases, there have been instances where people who have been released from a correctional facility and not in recovery are housed with people who are, often exposing them to alcohol and other substances and jeopardizing their chances for success. Further, the surrounding neighbors are impacted by the subsequent increase in crime and the deterioration of the properties in question. This problem will only become exacerbated as more individuals are released from prisons into the community without appropriate services or programs. If we really want to help those who are working to maintain their sobriety, they must have access to facilities that will maximize their chances for success – not set them up to fail. Right now, there is no data on the number of recovery houses in existence, what kind of programs – if any – are offered, or how their residents have fared while there or since leaving. My legislation is based on standards and criteria developed by the National Association of Recovery Residences. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, NARR has regional chapters throughout the country, including Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Association of Recovery Residences has been working with owners of recovery residences who have voluntarily sought certification through PARR. Unfortunately, there are still too many houses that will not be seeking certification and whose very existence threatens not only their residents’ chances for success but also the areas and neighborhoods in which they are located. The bill I am proposing is based on the PARR program and calls for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to establish standards and criteria for the administration and operation of these facilities. The administration and enforcement of the act will be funded through fees for certification and fines levied as a result of violations. It is important to note that this proposal does not seek to prohibit the existence of recovery residences as that would be in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, it will provide a framework in which they are properly operated. Please consider cosponsoring this legislation and join with me in assisting those who are struggling to overcome their addictions by ensuring that they have access to decent housing and appropriate supports while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding communities. |
Introduced as HB2108