The Office of Behavioral Health is pleased to announce that the Colorado Association of Recovery Residences (CARR) has been approved as a certifying body for recovery residences in Colorado. Pursuant to 25-1.5-108.5, C.R.S. (HB 19-1009), recovery residences are required to obtain a certification from CARR in order to operate in Colorado and receive referrals from health care providers or health care facilities for individuals in need of recovery support services. As an approved certifying body, CARR will ensure that any premises, place, facility, or building they certify as a recovery residence meets the minimum standards established by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) to operate a recovery residence. CARR will ensure recovery residences provide safe and healthy housing environments that support individuals in achieving and sustaining substance use disorder recovery. Visit the CARR website for information on the certification process and the NARR Standards.
House Bill 19-1009 also funded a program at the Office of Behavioral Health for the purpose of supporting recovery residences in gaining certification. This program was designed to support recovery residences by providing reimbursement funds to recovery residences to cover some of the fees associated with gaining certification from CARR. (Update: Please note that the timeframe for applying for these funds has passed, as this initiative was funded through the end of State Fiscal Year 2021.)
If you have any questions about the certifying body approval process or the grant program please contact Alia Andrews at alia.andrews@state.co.us.