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Guidelines and Expectations

Our mission statement: To provide a safe and sober living community where one can grow physical, spiritually and emotionally with the support of others.

Visions Statement: A Safe and Sober living environment to encourage the growth for every recovering addict

The guideline for living in The Steven A. King House can be found in Matthew 7:12: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." In other words, 'respect for others should be honored'.

"This house does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, and gender identity, sexuality, religion and any other Federal and/or State protected classes."

1. Conduct:

A guest should strive to conduct himself in a manner that will not bring dishonor to the name of Jesus Christ. Also, there is zero tolerance for violent aggressive behavior or active or passive "bullying."

2. Probation Period:

There is an initial thirty day (30) probation period. Upon which you will be evaluated for your ability to remain at the Next Step Sober Environment.

3. Search Belongings:

Upon entering the Next Step Sober Living, staff will have the right to search belongings.

4. Social Recovery Group Commitment:

You will be required to commit to and attended at least one (1) group meeting each week related to my Recovery Plan, (i.e. Alcoholics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, Group Therapy, etc.). Additional meetings may be required depending Case Management and length of sobriety time.

You will be required to meet regularly with a sponsor or mentor concerning your recovery.

5. Drugs and Alcohol:

A guest must abstain from the use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol or any legal over-the-counter substitute or any abused legal substance.

There is a zero tolerance substance abuse policy in Next Step Sober Living.

A resident will be required to submit to random drug and alcohol testing. If the guest has come from a short term recovery program he may be subject to weekly drug and alcohol testing.

If a residents urine tests or Breathalyzer is negative but the participant is obviously "high" he will be discharged.

If this guideline is violated please refer to page 9 (Relapse Procedure)

6. Person Property:

The Steven A. King House is not responsible for the loss of property. In addition, if discharged for violation of guidelines all personal property must be remove within one week. If not removed it will be donated or disposed of.

If you leave and you leave your personal item in your room and it has to be cleared out and cleaned by staff your security deposit will not be forfeited.

7. Sober Living Commitments:

A resident must commit to maintaining a sober living environment by:

  • Not using or bringing into The Steven A. King House alcohol, illegal substances, or prescription medication(s) that will show on a drug test.
  • Storing all medication are to be logged it in with the House Coordinator and kept in your lock box. Provided by Next Step Sober Living
  • Holding housemates accountable to their own sobriety.
  • Seeking help when feeling the pressure or desire to relapse or go back to harmful habits, behaviors and attitudes.

8. Smoking:

There is absolutely no smoking inside Next Step Sober Living House. Any smoking must be done designated areas ONLY.

9. Weapons:

A guest must not possess any weapon form of any kind.

10. Pornography:

A guest must not possess any form of pornography.

11. Personal Living Space:

  • Each individual must clean his own area and keep it in an orderly fashion.
  • Nothing may be nailed or tacked to the walls.
  • A program participant must not open another guest's locker and should respect another person's sleeping area.

12. Dress Code:

All common areas are subject to video surveillance so all men must be appropriately clothed (shirt, pants, and footwear) when out of the sleeping area. Absolutely no low riding pants and no inappropriate images.

13. Music, Videos and TV:

  • Should be in keeping with The Steven A. King house values.
  • Should only be played at a low volume or with ear phones because of different working and sleeping schedules.
  • The dorm area TV should to be turned-off at 11:00 PM for the courtesy of the roommate.
  • All common area T.V.s shall be turned off by 11:00
  • T.V. and Cell phone ear (head) phones must be used in the Dorm (sleeping) area.

14. Housekeeping Rules:

  • All men will be assigned chores of the common areas.
  • The kitchen area must be cleaned after each use.
  • Any Next Step Sober Living Properties that furnish laundry facilities will be available during normal operating hours, which are designated as 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • The dryer lint guard must be cleaned after every use.
  • No clothing should be left in the washer or dyer at any time.
  • The laundry area is for The Steven A. King House residents only.

15. Vehicles and Parking:

  • If a resident brings a vehicle he must have a driver's license and proof of insurance to drive it and keep it on The Steven A. King House property.
  • If a resident leaves The Steven A. King House for any reason their vehicle must go with him. If left it will be towed away.
  • Park in designated areas only.

16. Visitors:

Guidelines for visitors are as follows:

  • All visitors must be directly connected to your recovery such as family, mentors, sponsors and Pastors
  • No visitors until your probationary period (30 days) has been completed unless prior permission is given
  • Visitor hours are from 4 pm-10pm Monday - Friday and 2pm-10pm Saturday and Sunday unless arraignments are agreed upon by staff
  • Men within their first thirty (30) days arrangement must be made with the House Coordinator at least two (2) day in advance.
  • The House Coordinator or a staff member must be present for those with in their first two (2) weeks.
  • All visitors must sign-in upon arrival.
  • The number of visitors at one time is limited to two (2).
  • All visitors are limited to the common living space only.

17. Curfew:

Sunday through Saturday 11:00 PM. unless otherwise agreed upon in advance

There is zero tolerance for breaking curfew. Hospitalization is an exception and discharge papers are necessary.

18. Passes:

Overnight weekend passes for visiting family are obtained from and approved by staff.

All passes must be obtained at least three (3) business days in advance.

No weekend pass will be considered for the 60 days of entering The Steven A. King House and no pass will be given until the entry fee is paid in full.

19. Pets:

No pets of any kind are allowed at The Steven A. King House.

20. Bicycles:

Must not be kept inside Next Step Sober Living House. They can be secured in the backyard

NEXT STEP SOBER LIVING LENGTH OF OCCUPANCY

Since occupancy at The Steven A. King House is voluntary there is no minimum length of stay.

The move-on date for each guest will be determined by achievement of several core goals:

The willingness to develop action plans and meet designated goals in corroboration with the case manager.

A maintained sobriety and managing behaviors that leads to relapse.

  • The ability to cultivate and maintain healthy relationships.
  • To connect with and obtain a suitable and competent mentor.
  • The evidence of self -sustaining financial stability prior to moving-out.

PROGRAM PARTICIPANT'S OCCUPANCY

I understand that occupancy in The Steven A. King House and payment of weekly fee does not constitute a landlord/tenant relationship as defined by the laws and statutes of the State of Rhode Island General Laws section 34-18-11(18) and sections 34-18-8(8).

In addition, the program participant recognizes that he may be asked to leave immediately from The Steven A. King House without legal process or without the right to any hearing all within the discretion of the senior management.

PRIVACY POLICY

The privacy of a client is highly respected and valued by the staff of The Steven A. King House.

Only designated staff involved in a client's recovery and/or transition will be permitted to collaborate or discuss information pertinent to specific circumstances in order to assist in the development of personal needs or behavioral change of a client.

I (the applicant) understand that only designated staff may discuss my living situation at The Steven A. King House with Social Workers, Case Managers, Probation /Parole Officers, Home placement coordinators or Public Defenders.

In an extreme emergency situation collaboration with the designated "Emergency Contact" person may be necessary.

RELAPSE PROCEDURE

The house manager/owner of The Next Step Living Homes will manage residents who are intoxicated or impaired by a substance.

Residents may relapse while in residence and become intoxicated or impaired by a substance.

Therefore, house manager/owner must be able to manage residents in an appropriate manner.

PROCEDURE

1. The following procedure should be implemented for residents who are assessed as being intoxicated or impaired by a substance.

A. The house manager/owner member who observes the behavior, or is informed of the possibility of the resident being intoxicated, should evaluate the situation by assessing the following:

Is the resident's behavior is uncharacteristic of how they normally appear?

Does the resident have slurred speech or unsteady gait?

Does the resident have an odor of alcohol, pot, glue or some other substance?

B. If the resident is assessed to be intoxicated or impaired by a substance, house manager/owner will ask the resident if he has been drinking/using a substance. If the resident acknowledges use then they will not be allowed to participate in the house/program and will be referred to an appropriate level of care. House manager/owner, transport ambulance, or someone of the resident's family or friends, will then transport the resident to the appropriate treatment facility (emergency room/detox, etc.).

C. If the resident who is assessed to be intoxicated or impaired by a substance denies using alcohol or drugs then the house manager/owner member should ask the resident's peers for supporting evidence that the resident was using and perform a urine screen (refer to the policy on "Random Urine Drug Screens").

A room search may be warranted to ensure that no illegal or dangerous substances have been brought into the house (see the policy on "Search for Hazardous Items").

If the urine screen test shows a positive reading or the search reveals alcohol or mood altering/illegal substances, then the procedure under "B" should be followed.

2. House manager/owner will document the incident in the resident file

3. House manager/owner will determine on case by case basis if return to house/program is recommended.

4. Any resident refusing treatment as advised that leaves the house/program in an altered mental state will have their emergency contact notified immediately.

THE STEVEN A. KING HOUSE AGREEMENT

By signing this agreementthe staff of The Steven A. King house agrees to govern the transitional living facility in a manner that is reflective of the guidelines of the document and the policies of Next Step Sober Living.

Likewise, by signing this agreement the resident is agreeing to maintain the guidelines in which they have in their possession.

Resident's signature________________________________________________________Date:___________________________

Emergency Contact (mandatory): _________________________ Relationship_________________

Next of Kin:______________________________ Contact Number:___________________________