Policy Snapshot

• Children in Recovery Residences: Children residing in a recovery residence are the sole responsibility of their parent or guardian. Members are expected to supervise and care for their child(ren) at all times, ensuring their safety, well-being, and adherence to house policies. Other members, staff, or visitors are not permitted to reprimand, discipline, or interfere with a child’s care. Any concerns regarding a child’s behavior, safety, or well-being must be addressed directly with the parent or guardian in a respectful and constructive manner or brought to the attention of the House Coordinator for further action. All members with children will be required to sign a Parental Responsibility and Child Safety agreement upon becoming a member of the home, acknowledging that the safety and well-being of children are a top priority. This agreement will include a provision stating that if child abuse or neglect is suspected, staff or members may report these concerns to the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
• Covid-19:  VFOR follows the State of Vermont Department of Health Requirements when it comes to Covid 19 protocols, and procedures.  If you are having any Covid-19 symptoms immediately start quarantine, and immediately contact your House Coordinator, and your Primary Care Physician.
• There is no smoking or vaping allowed in a VFOR home or on VFOR property. No partially smoked cigarettes, or cigarette butts are permitted on VFOR property, and all cigarettes, and cigarette butts, need to be properly disposed of.
• The Member understands, and agrees to attend the weekly house meeting, monthly house meal, and monthly house activity. If a Member feels they need to miss a meeting, or function, they agree to reach out to the House Coordinator one week in advance unless it is an emergency. If a child is present in the recovery home, the Member responsible for the child is expected to attend house meetings without their child(ren) whenever possible. It is the Member’s responsibility to arrange childcare prior to the house meeting to ensure their full participation and minimize disruptions. Please refer to the policy located in Section 4 of the House Manual.
• Extended Time Out (ETO): After a Member’s introduction period is complete, they are permitted 2 nights out per weekIf applicable, child(ren) should not be left unsupervised at the home or under the care of VFOR staff or volunteers. Alternate childcare arrangements should be made by the parent. Please refer to the ETO policy located in Section 4 of the House Manual.
• Guests and overnight guests must be requested in advance. Please reach out to your House Coordinator. Please refer to the Guest policy located in Section 4 of the House Manual.
• Members understand and agree to the 10:30 PM to 6:00 AM curfew/quiet hours and an 8:00 PM curfew for any and all guests that have been approved to visit by the House Coordinator. No Guest is allowed on house meeting day.
• Members agree to adhere to the house’s allotted quiet times.  Please be respectful of all House Members who may have different schedules than you.
• Each Member agrees to have, and actively engage with a recovery mentor, recovery commitment, and attend the required number of recovery meetings each week (while attending more than one recovery meeting in a day can be beneficial, additional meetings will not count toward the weekly total).
• All rooms, and common areas are maintained by Members, who agree to keep them clean in accordance with VFOR’s standard of cleanliness.

The VFOR standard of cleanliness:

• Members agree that under no circumstances will they leave dirty dishes, or food items in their rooms, or in any common areas.
• Members agree that they will not leave any dirty dishes in the sink and will always immediately clean up after themselves.
• Members agree their rooms will be picked up, and maintained at all times.
• Members agree to have clean clothes folded, and put away, and dirty clothes placed in a clothes hamper.
• Members agree they will keep all surfaces neat, and picked up.
• Members agree to keep their dresser drawers closed.
• Members agree to not use any nails, or screws in any of the walls without prior VFOR approval.  You can use Sticky Tack adhesive to hang paper pictures.  Members understand that any damage done will be the Members responsibility.
• Members agree to not change rooms without prior VFOR approval.  When a room opens up and member wishes to move, speak to the House Coordinator. Single rooms are for House Members with seniority and in good standing.
• Members, including their child(ren), are strictly prohibited from entering another Member’s room without that Member being present and without their explicit permission. Additionally, members and their child(ren) are not to touch or interfere with another Member’s belongings. If a member or their child is found in another Member’s room with the Member present, this will be considered a violation of house rules and may result in a Corrective Action (CA), up to and including the discontinuation of membership. Members are responsible for ensuring their child(ren) understand and adhere to this policy.
• Members agree and understand that theft of any kind is strictly forbidden.  If any Member or their child(ren) are found with another Member’s personal belongings (including food), an investigation will be conducted and they may be subject to discontinuation of membership. Members are responsible for ensuring their child(ren) understand and adhere to this policy.
• Room Checks are done whenever a House Coordinator is at the house. These checks include, the Coordinator going into Members’ rooms to make sure the VFOR standard of cleanliness and VFOR policies are being adhered to.
• Room Inspections will be done randomly to keep our homes safe. These inspections include, but are not limited to: going through dresser drawers, opening cabinets, checking under beds, going through closets, looking at medication, etc.
• VFOR staff and volunteers must never be alone with a child in the home. This ensures the safety and well-being of both the child and the individual.
• Urine Analysis:
• VFOR homes, properties, and Members will be free of mood- or mind-altering substances not prescribed by a licensed medical professional. Members agree to, and understand that they can be asked to do a urine analysis (UA), and/or breathalyzer at any time by a VFOR Representative.
• Members agree to stay on the VFOR property until the test is completed.
• Members agree to and understand they have 2 hours to take the UA, and are able to have 1 cup of water during this time.
• Members agree, and understand that refusing a test will be treated as a positive test.
• Members agree, and understand that weekly membership dues are owed every Friday by 5 pm, and they are paying for the upcoming week.
• Members and child(ren) agree to take all medication(s) as prescribed, and keep them stored in a lock box, and/or secured locker inaccessible to children at all times. Members also agree, and understand they are to report any changes in medication to the House Coordinator, or VFOR Operations Team within 24 hours of those changes occurring.
• Members agree to respect one another, VFOR Representatives, neighbors, and the community no matter what.  Racial, gender, age, physical or mental health discrimination, bullying, gossiping to, or about VFOR Members, VFOR Staff, or volunteers, inside, or outside the home is not acceptable nor tolerated. Also, taking pictures of any Members, VFOR Representatives, or Volunteers without their permission is prohibited.
• When a past member leaves as the result of a policy infraction, they are not permitted on any VFOR property without prior permission from a VFOR Representative, and they must be accompanied by a VFOR Representatives if approved.
• Members understand and agree that if they become aware that another Member is using or has used/drank, has any paraphernalia or weapons inside, or outside of the VFOR home, and they don’t bring this information to the House Coordinator, they may be at risk of having their membership discontinued.

This is a snapshot of VFOR policies and agreements only. All members are accountable for understanding, agreeing to, and following all VFOR policies at all times when a Member of VFOR.