Licenses and Regulations for Sober Living Homes

For this reason, you need to make sure that your sober living home doesn’t offer any services that can be interpreted as addiction treatment services. If a sober living home offers some type of regulated medical treatment, such as drug testing or therapy, then that aspect of the offerings must have the appropriate state licenses. The primary focus of a sober living home is to provide social support for people who have gone through recovery. These people may need help staying sober while they find or maintain meaningful employment, continue their education, and rebuild relationships.

Disclaimer – Attorney Advertising

We do our best to keep information accurate and up to date, however even attorneys make mistakes, and we cannot make guarantees regarding the accuracy of our information. Claim your free trial today and see why more sober living homes prefer the Sober Living App. According to May 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, California social workers’ average annual salaries exceed the national average across all tracked specializations.

Ketamine Therapy in San Diego by Experience Structured Living

• SLN has been in operation since 1995, serving those in recovery and those who operate sober living homes in Southern California.
• They are commonly used interchangeably, but slight differences exist between them regarding their purpose and the population they cater to.
• You may not think that such things should be considered when deciding what type of facility to choose for your loved one, but you ought to consider them on your checklist.
• Aaron Priddy began his career working for non-profit organizations–specifically in the area of Probation and Parole Recovery–first as a Mentor then as an Operations Coordinator.

Look for sober living homes that have state-licensed programs like therapy and drug testing, and also ask about compliance with national or state accreditation standards. Look around and make sure the home has detailed rules to maintain residency, and most importantly, check out the social support offered at the home. For example, the Sober Living Network focuses on promoting and maintaining high-quality management and operation of sober living homes, as well as other community recovery support services.

Your Sober Living Home Probably Won’t Require Licensure in California

In addition to sober living homes, mental health housing is also available for those with co-occurring disorders. Typically, sober living homes are situated in suburban areas, so there is a strong urban sober living movement in these areas. As a result of this, the community’s long-time residents might oppose the proposal, stating that having a home for singles next door would make the area less safe. Tenants with sober livings shielded from NIMBY discrimination by their neighbors sober house or even city authorities who don’t want recovering people are living nearby. A person’s disability, mental health condition, or substance use disorders cannot constitute a basis for unfair discrimination.

Here’s How to Make Sure California Doesn’t Mistake Your Sober Living Home for an Addiction Treatment Center

You must complete three hours of California law and ethics education and pass the law and ethics exam. An additional 12 hours of California law and ethics education are required if you earned your MSW in a state other than California. Explore this guide for information about the state’s MSW programs and how to become licensed. The cost of establishing a business varies widely depending on location, amenities, size, regulatory requirements, and advertising.

• Municipalities impose penalties based on the severity of the violation, ranging from minor infractions like exceeding resident capacity to more serious violations such as ignoring safety standards.
• The member of your household is required to ask anyone with the appropriate gender to act as house manager so that the board can also run your sober living house smoothly and effectively.
• There is much to be discussed regarding how the purpose of this residency program may be carried out; there are many things that need to be considered, including funding.
• A landlord may, on occasion, also have the opportunity to live with his or her tenants at their homes.

Additionally, a drug treatment hospital through the Department of Social Services may require licensing certificates from other government entities and licensed by the Department. Still, the Department must be deemed by Public Health as having a good standing. However, a bill seeking to license such homes in California has been in the pipeline since 2019.

• In addition, deciding your charges for residential services is also essential to judge the profitability of your residential services.
• They can work independently in private practice or other employment settings and bill clients directly.
• In some cases, you may be able to call your local state agencies and find out if the sober housing you are considering is up to date with their licensing regulations.
• These guidelines include ensuring homes are free from alcohol and drugs, promoting peer support, and fostering a sense of community.
• Residing at a sober living home is voluntary, although the homes have specifics rules that must be followed to maintain the sobriety and safety of the home for all residents.
• Some counties in California have implemented certification programs for sober households that apply for county grants.

In addition to licensing and approvals, it is also advisable for these residences to get local and state tax clearances if they are run as a community. You can seek more information from your city’s municipal office or our licensing services—secure information about necessary licensing from us here. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a successful and impactful sober living home in the Golden State. It’s unclear whether it will ever become law, or when – but it is something to consider as you are researching your sober living home options. Ben Lesser is one of the most sought-after experts in health, fitness and medicine.

Does California require social workers to be licensed?

Aaron Priddy began his career working for non-profit organizations–specifically in the area of Probation and Parole Recovery–first as a Mentor then as an Operations Coordinator. In this field, he highlighted his personal journey through recovery and helped others navigate their own journey. He eventually gained a Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician credential from CCAPP and began utilizing his credential for group facilitation. Once this proverbial door opened his old friend and colleague reached out to him about an open Support Staff position at Crownview Psychiatric Disorders Institute.

What to Expect in Sober Living Housing

With the increasing demand for such facilities in California, starting a sober living home can be both a noble endeavor and a viable business opportunity. Operating a sober living home in California is a meaningful way to provide support for individuals recovering from addiction. However, navigating the legal requirements, including compliance with California’s Community Care Licensing (CCL) laws, is essential to ensure your facility operates within the law. This blog explores the definition, scope, and application of CCL, the scenarios in which it applies to sober living homes, and the consequences of non-compliance, along with tips on preparing for inspections. Accreditation for sober living homes is still a very new idea, but it is catching on quickly.