Survey Question Guide

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Questions in this section ask about general physical and operational characteristics of the residence listed on the cover page. These questions should be answered by someone who has been to the residence and knows about the day-to-day operations of it. Unless otherwise specified in the question, questions in this section should be answered using the “present” timeframe.

What term do you use to refer to this residence?
The intent of this question is to collect information on how the respondent characterizes the recovery residence. Recovery residences go by a variety of different names. Some of these differences come about from how residences are classified in different states and localities, but some of these differences reflect how individuals characterize the nature of the recovery environment. Only by asking questions about how recovery residences are referred to in different parts of the county and how this corresponds to characteristics of the residence can the field begin to find commonalities among residences regardless of the name used to refer to them. Respondents should select the one option that they use most often to refer to the residence. If they use a term that is not listed, respondents should provide the term that they use to refer to the residence in the space provided.

If the option “Oxford House” is selected, responses to some questions may be pre-filled to reduce the amount of time to complete the survey based characteristics of the Oxford House model. These responses should be still be reviewed and can be changed based on whether pre-filled responses fit the specific Oxford House being surveyed.

What term best describes the physical structure of this residence?
The intent of this question is to collect information about the residence’s physical structure. Respondents should select the one option that best fits. If the categories provided do not capture the nature of the residence’s physical structure, respondents should provide a description that better fits. A unit in a hospital or a correctional facility should be coded as “Unit in a treatment program or other sort of facility/compound/campus.”

Multiple members of different families may live in a single family residence; only select duplex/multiple family structure if there are physical separations create separate dwelling units within the structure.

How is the land this residence is located on zoned?
The intent of this question is to collect information on land usage where the residence is located. Respondents should select the option that best fit from the categories provided:

• Residential
• Historical
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Agricultural
• Mixed use
• Something else
• Don’t know

Respondents are allowed to answer don’t know if they do not know how the land is zoned. If it is zoned as “Something else,” respondents should provide a brief description. Respondents may consult with someone who may have this information.

Who might know how the land this residence is located on is zoned? (Please provide a name and contact information):
The intent of this question is to obtain the contact information of someone who might know how the land that the residence is located on is zoned. Only answer this question if “Don’t know” was selected in Question 3.

What is the approximate square footage of this residence?
The intent of this question is to collect information on the size of the residence in terms of square footage. While the data are certainly meant to be estimation, this should not be perceived as meaning a “guess.” Information necessary to answer this question may be obtained from other staff or from administrative records if it is not known by the respondent.

Have any physical modifications been made to the residence so an individual with a disability can live there just as someone without a disability?
The intent of this question is to determine whether any accommodations have been made to this residence to ensure accessibility per the American’s with Disability Act (ADA). Respondents should answer “yes” regardless of when or by whom the accommodations were made (i.e., it does not matter if these accommodations were already in place or if they were made by the current occupants). Respondents who reply Yes are asked to describe the nature of the accommodations made.

Based on how they are currently being used, how many of the resident bedrooms are…
The intent of this question is to better understand how space is allocated for residents. Respondents should indicate how many sleeping rooms are:

• Single rooms: one resident sleeping in the room
• Double rooms: two residents sleeping in the room
• Triple rooms: three residents sleeping in the room
• More than three beds in a room: more than three residents sleeping in the room

Respond based on how the rooms are currently used when the residence is at maximum capacity. Do not include sleeping rooms that are designated for staff.

What is the capacity of this residence?
The intent of this question is to collect information on the maximum number individuals that could be living in the residence at any time. This should be reported in terms of total number of beds. Include bed(s) designated for house manager(s) if managers live among residents.

What is the current number of residents?
The intent of the question to gather information on how many residents are currently living at the residence. Include the house manager(s) if the manager(s) live among residents.

How many of these residents are (resident demographic characteristics)…
The intent of this question is to get a general snapshot of the basic demographic characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, and race) of residents currently living at the residence. If house managers were included in the total count, they should be included in the demographic breakdown as well. If the respondent does not know this information, they should not “guess.” Respondents may consult with someone who may have this information. The breakdown of resident by gender, age, ethnicity, and race should total to the number of residents currently living at the residence.

Does this residence currently have a waitlist?
The intent of this question is to assess whether there are individuals who are waiting to enter the residence. By waitlist, we mean a list of individuals who qualify or have been approved to move into the residence but who are waiting for a bed to open up so that they can move in.

Are residents provided meals as part of their stay?
The intent of this question is to determine which (if any) meals are provided to residents as part of their stay, meaning as part of the fees they pay to live in the residence. If meals are provided to residents, respondents should indicate which meals are provided. If something other than breakfast, lunch, or dinner is provided, respondents should describe this “Other” meal. Snacks and refreshments made available to residents do not constitute a meal and are asked about later in the survey.

Do residents participate in the preparation of meals (for themselves or for others)?
The intent of this question is to determine whether residents are involved in meal preparation. Cooking and other meal prep skills are key life skills that can be acquired within the context of recovery housing. Code Yes to this question if residents are expected to assist in meal preparation for themselves or other residents as part of living in the residence regardless of whether meals are provided.

Do residents eat family style (i.e., residents eat the same meal together with other residents)?
The intent of this question is to collect more information about mealtime for residents. “Family style” refers to residents eating the same meal together at the same time as other residents. Respond based on what is typical at the residence. Respond Yes if at least one meal a day is specifically designated for residents as family style. Code No if there is not a designated mealtime for residents to share the same meal even if residents may end up cooking and eating their own meals around the same time. A third option is offered to reflect whether family-style dining is generally not part of how the residence operates but takes place on special occasions or depending on resident preferences (on holidays or if/when residents otherwise plan to do so).

What amenities are provided in the residence?
The intent of this question is to determine what is available to residents as part of the fees they pay for their stay. For the purposes of this survey, if something listed is available to residents for an additional fee, it is NOT considered an amenity. Respond Yes to any items that are offered as amenities regardless of whether the amenity is used by all residents, some residents, or none at all. If there are other amenities offered that are not listed, select “Other” and describe the additional amenities.

For private bathrooms, we would like to know if private bathrooms are available to the residents (not staff members).

For indoor lounge area, we mean an indoor area where residents can socialize with one another for activities such as fitness, games, or other pastimes/recreational activities.

Which residence characteristics (e.g., physical space and how it is used) have changed because of COVID-19? (Check Yes or No to each; check Yes if it remains changed because of COVID-19)
The intent of this question is to identify how general residence policies and practices have changed since COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the US (roughly March 2020). Respondents are asked to reply Yes or No to each facet of the residence’s characteristics questioned in this section.

• How many residents stay in the sleeping rooms
• Number of total beds designated for the residence
• Ability to fill beds in the house
• Characteristics of the residents (e.g. gender, age, ethnicity, etc.)
• Whether or how meals are provided
• Amenities offered

Questions in this section ask about the policies and practices of the residence listed on the cover page. These questions should be answered by someone who has been to the residence and knows about the day-to-day operations of it. Unless otherwise specified in the question, questions in this section should be answered using the “present” timeframe.

Does this residence require that prospective residents fill out an application to become a resident?
The intent of this question is to determine whether prospective residents are expected to complete an application form in order to be considered for residency. Respondents should answer Yes or No.

Do prospective/potential residents participate in an intake interview/assessment?
The intent of this question is to determine whether prospective residents are expected to participate in any sort of assessment or intake interview in order to be considered for residency. Respondents should answer Yes or No.

Does this residence accept residents who are… (Check Yes if any or No if none)
The intent of this question is to gather information about the types of residents that the residence intends to or would provide recovery housing. Respond based on policies or practices, regardless of whether individuals with the following characteristics have applied to or lived at the residence. If any of the following characteristics would restrict access to living at the residence, even if there may be exceptions, respond “No.” Respondents should answer Yes or No for each resident characteristic asked about below:

• Male?
• Female?
• Transgender?
• Lesbian/gay/bisexual?
• Non-English speakers?
• Less than 18 years old? NOTE: This refers to accepting residents in recovery who are less than 18 years old
• Bringing their child/children to live in the residence with them? NOTE: This refers to allowing residents and their children to move into the residence
• Working full-time?
• Currently unemployed?
• Currently homeless (living on the streets coming from a shelter)?
• On probation/parole?
• On electronic monitoring?
• Registered sex offenders?
• Convicted of violent offenses?
• HIV+?
• Physically disabled? NOTE: This refers to issues with seeing, hearing, walking, standing, etc. that affect their everyday life.
• Cognitively impaired/ intellectually disabled? NOTE: This refers to trouble with mental capacity, such as learning, reasoning, problem solving, etc. that affect their everyday life.
• In mental health treatment or have a co-occurring mental health condition?
• Smokers of tobacco/cigarettes/e-cigs?
• NOT currently in substance use treatment?
• NOT currently abstinent from alcohol?
• NOT currently abstinent from illicit drugs or non-prescription drugs?

Does this residence accept residents who are under a physician’s care and are taking…(Check Yes if any or No if none)
The intent of this question is to gather more specific information about the residence accepting potential residents who may currently be taking medications prescribed by a physician. Respondents should answer Yes or No for each type of medication.

Buprenorphine: Brand names for buprenorphine include Belbuca, Subutex, Butrans, Sublocade.
Naltrexone: Brand names for naltrexone include ReVia, Vivitrol, Depade.
Disulfiram or Acamprosate: These are both medications use to treat alcoholism. Disulfiram is sold under the trade name Antabuse. Acamprosate is sold under the brand name Campral.

Are current residents involved in the decision about whether a prospective resident is accepted into the residence?
The intent of this question is to gather information about the nature of resident involvement in the decision to accept prospective residents into the residence. If the current residents are involved in these decisions, respondents should indicate how residents are involved by checking one of the responses below:

• Residents are involved in the intake interview
• Residents vote on whether the resident is accepted
• Residents are involved in the intake interview and vote on whether the resident is accepted

If residents are involved in some other way, respondents should select “Something else” and describe how residents are involved.

Do new residents receive a handbook or handout (i.e., written materials) that outlines procedures, available services, policies, etc.?
The intent of this question is to gather information about whether residents are given materials about the residence when they move in. Respond Yes even if materials provided to new residents pertain to the organization operating the residence and may not be specific to the residence (or apply across all residences operated by the organization). Respond No if no such information is provided or no such materials exist to give to residents.

Is there an orientation (i.e. discussion of residence policies and procedures) for new residents?
The intent of this question is to gather information about whether there is an orientation provided for new residents. Respondents are asked to respond yes or no.

Do residents formally set goals and develop a formal recovery roadmap/plan for their stay?
The intent of this question is to gather information about whether residents are expected to identify goals or some sort of recovery plan as part of their stay.

Is there a minimum recommended length of stay?
The intent of this question is to determine whether residents are expected to stay a minimum amount of time at the residence. If Yes, respondents are asked to specify this minimum using the following categories:

• Less than 30 days
• 30-90 days
• 3-6 months
• More than 6 months

If more than 6 months, respondents should specify the minimum number of months. Respond 90 days as 30-90 days; Respond 3 months as 3-6 months.

Is there a limit to how long residents can stay?
The intent of this question is to determine whether there is a limit to how long residents may stay at the residence. If Yes, respondents are asked to specify what this limit is.

What is the typical length of stay? (Specify)
The intent of this question is to determine how long residents typically stay at the residence. Respondents should use the following categories:

• Less than 30 days
• 30-90 days
• 3-6 months
• More than 6 months but less than a year
• A year or longer

If more than one year, respondents should specify the length of time. Respond 90 days as 30-90 days; respond 3 months as 3-6 months.

While staying at the residence, are residents required to… (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this group of questions is to gather information regarding rules and expectations for residents living in the residence. Respond “Yes” even if there may be exceptions to the requirement. Respondents should check Yes or No to each question.

• Participate in household chores?
• Attend house meetings?
• Participate in groups, classes, and events taking place at the residence
• Be out of the house during the day?
• Be back in the house at a certain time of the day (curfew)?
• Be employed (if able to work) or attending classes
• Volunteer/provide community service?
• Remain abstinent from tobacco/cigarettes/e-cigs?
• Remain abstinent from alcohol?
• Remain abstinent from illicit drugs?
• Keep all medications stored in a locked area?
• Attend 12-step/self-help/mutual aid meetings?
• Have a sponsor, mentor, or spiritual guide?
• Sponsor, mentor, or spiritually guide others?
• Attend substance use treatment
• Other requirements

How often does the residence hold house meetings? (Check one)
The intent of this question to collect information on how often house meeting are held at the residence. Respondents should use the response options provided below. If there is no regular schedule for meetings, respondents should respond based on how frequently meetings end up happening.

• Daily
• Several times a week
• Once a week
• Every two weeks
• Once a month
• Other

If “Other” is selected, respondents should describe the frequency that meetings are held.

Are residents allowed to… (Check Yes or No to each; check Yes even if just some residents are allowed)
The intent of this set of questions is to gather additional information regarding resident restrictions and privileges. Respond “Yes” regardless of whether there may be exceptions to the restriction or privilege, or variations in when or how they are applied. Respondents should check Yes or No to each of the following prompts:

• Leave the residence without staff permission?
• Spend the night away from the residence?
• Invite guests to the residence?
• Have guests stay in the residence overnight?
• Have/be in romantic relationship with other residents?
• Smoke tobacco (e.g., cigarettes, e-cigs, etc.) in the residence?
• Drink alcohol in the residence?
• Use illicit drugs in the residence?
• Self-administer medications prescribed to them?

What best describes how your residence handles testing for alcohol/drug use? Does the residence… (Check one)
The intent of this question is to gather information on how frequently residents are tested for alcohol/drug use. Respondents should select the category that best captures testing frequency:

• Routinely test all residents for alcohol/drug use?: This refers to testing on a regular schedule—at intake, after overnights, first of the month, etc.
• Randomly test residents for alcohol/drug use?: This refer to their being no schedule for when testing might happen
• Test particular resident(s) only when alcohol/drug use is suspected? : This refer to testing only happening when use is suspected
• Do no testing for alcohol/drug use?: There is no alcohol or drug testing among those living in the residence.
• Something else: Testing at a schedule not captured with any other category

If “Something else” is checked, respondents should describe what this schedule is. Use this category if some combination of the above frequencies is used (e.g., regular testing and testing when use is suspected).

Does the residence use any of the following consequences for residents who break rules about substance use? (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this question is to collect information on what happens when residents break rules about substance use. Because there could be multiple consequences, respondents should check Yes or No to each prompt. However, if respondents answer “Yes” to No consequences, they should skip to next question.

• No consequences
• Extra chores
• Fines
• Mandated treatment
• Eviction/Asked to leave
• Something else

If respondents select “Something else,” they should provide a brief description of the other consequence(s).

Does the residence… (Check Yes or No to each)

The intent of this group of questions is to collect information on to what degree the residence prepares residents to respond to opioid overdoses. Respondents should check Yes or No to each prompt.

• Keep naloxone (e.g. Narcan) onsite to use when opioid overdose is suspected?
• Have individuals onsite who are trained to administer it?
• Provide training to residents on how to administer naloxone?

Do residents… (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this group of questions is to collect information on resident input into governance of the residence. Respondents should check Yes or No to each prompt.

• Help draft residence policies (i.e., rules)?
• Propose changes to existing policies?
• Participate in decisions regarding how residence policies are enforced?
• Serve on any sort of board or council to provide oversight on house management?

Does this residence have a formal grievance policy that allows residents or their advocates to internally submit complaints and concerns?

The intent of this question is to collect information on whether there are formal policies in place so that residents or those who may advocate on their behalf may submit complaints and/or concerns. If there are such policies in place, respondents should describe what these are.

Does this residence organize… (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this question is to collect information on activities facilitated by the residence for residents, and the engagement of residence alumni with former or current residents. Respondents should check Yes or No to each option.

• Activities/game nights/outing for residents
• Activities/gatherings/groups for alumni
• Opportunities for alumni to volunteer at the residence

Which residence policies and practices (e.g., regarding intake, acceptance, length of stay, program requirements, etc.) have changed because of COVID-19? (Check Yes or No to each; check Yes if it remains changed because of COVID-19)

The intent of this question is to identify how general residence policies and practices have changed since COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the US (roughly March 2020). Respondents are asked to reply Yes or No to each facet of the residence’s characteristics questioned in this section.

• Intake procedures
• Type of residents accepted
• Length of stay
• Resident requirements
• Resident privileges
• Testing for alcohol and drug use
• Consequences for alcohol and drug use
• Social activities for residents
• Alumni involvement

• COVID-19 vaccination

Questions in this section ask about different types of services that are provided to all individuals who live in this residence as part of their stay, regardless of whether they choose to use these services. Respondents should check Yes only if the service is delivered by the organization operating the residence (directly or via formal contract agreements and provided “in house”) and is included in fees charged to residents as part of their stay. Services that are available to residents at additional costs, that residents are “referred” out to receive, or that are provided through informal agreements or “warm handoffs” to other service provides should not be counted here. Services that are provided through mutual aid from other residents should also not be counted. These questions should be answered by someone who has been to the residence and knows about the day-to-day operations of it. Unless otherwise specified in the question, questions in this section should be answered using the “present” timeframe.

Does this residence provide any social, recovery support, or continuing care services (e.g., assistance or advocacy, transportation, recovery coaching, onsite-mutual help, group meetings, social activities, telephone check-ins, etc.) to residents as part of their stay?
The intent of this question is to determine whether any social, recovery support, or continuing services are provided to residents as part of their stay. By onsite mutual help groups, we mean meetings focused specifically on substance use or recovery, such as 12-step (AA, NA, etc.), SMART, LifeRing, Women for Sobriety, etc. If any of the areas listed are provided, respond yes. If none of the areas listed above are provided, skip the following question.

Which social, recovery support, and continuing care services are provided to residents as part of their stay? (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this group of questions is to gather information on the types of recovery support services that are provided to residents as part of their stay. Respondents should answer Yes or No to each type of service

• Assistance in obtaining public benefits (VA benefits, disability, unemployment, etc.)
• Advocacy in court proceedings/assistance in obtaining legal representation
• Transportation services
• Transportation vouchers or tokens
• Life skills classes/groups (e.g., financial management or financial literacy)
• Case management (i.e., services referral and care coordination)
• Recovery coaching
• On-site 12-step groups (e.g., AA, NA, etc.)
• Other on-site self-help/mutual aid groups (e.g., SMART, LifeRing, WFS, etc.)
• Assistance in finding a sponsor/mutual aid support group
• Assistance in finding housing before leaving the residence
• Telephone check-ins with residents who leave the residence
• Other

If an “Other” type of service is provided, respondents should provide a brief description on this service.

Does this residence provide any substance use treatment services (e.g., drug/alcohol groups, individual therapy/counseling sessions medications for alcohol/drugs, etc.) to residents as part of their stay?
The intent of this question is to determine whether any substance use treatment services are provided to residents as part of their stay. If any of the areas listed are provided, respond Yes. If none of the areas listed above are provided, skip the following question.

Which substance use treatment services are provided to residents as part of their stay? (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this group of questions is to gather information on the types of substance use treatment services that are provided to residents as part of their stay. Substance use treatment services are sometimes referred to as “clinical” services. Respondents should answer Yes or No to each type of service.

• Drug/alcohol education or relapse prevention groups (led by trained peers or certified workers)
• Group therapy NOTE: this refers to group therapy that addresses substance use specifically and is provided by a therapist or clinician.
• Individual therapy/counseling sessions NOTE: this refers to individual therapy that addresses substance use specifically and is provided by a therapist or clinician.
• Motivational enhancement therapy/motivational interviewing/stages of change work
• Medications for nicotine cravings and addiction management
• Medications for alcohol cravings and addiction management
• Medications for drug cravings and addiction management: This includes methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone to address opioid use disorder
• Other

If an “Other” type of service is provided, respondents should provide a brief description on this service.

Does this residence provide any medical services (e.g., physical exams, infectious disease testing, bloodwork, monitoring by a nurse/physician, non-traditional medical services, nutrition counseling, etc.) to residents as part of their stay?
The intent of this question is to determine whether any medical services are provided to residents as part of their stay. If any of the areas listed are provided, respond yes. If none of the areas listed above are provided, skip the following question.

Which medical services are provided to residents as part of their stay? (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this group of questions is to gather information on the types of medical services that are provided to residents as part of their stay. Respondents should answer Yes or No to each type of service.

• Physical exam by a physician/nurse
• HIV testing
• TB testing
• Hepatitis testing
• COVID-19 testing
• COVID-19 vaccination
• Medication prescriptions
• Blood work
• Medical monitoring (by a nurse or physician)
• Medication monitoring (by a nurse or physician)
• Acupuncture or other non-traditional medical services
• Nutritional counseling
• Other

If an “Other” type of service is provided, respondents should provide a brief description on this service.

Does this residence provide any psychological/psychiatric services (e.g., psychiatric evaluation, psychological testing, individual or group psychotherapy/counseling, biofeedback, or relaxation or anger management groups, etc.) to residents as part of their stay?
The intent of this question is to determine whether any psychological/psychiatric services are provided to residents as part of their stay. If any of the areas listed are provided, respond yes. If none of the areas listed above are provided, skip the following question.

Which psychological/psychiatric services are provided to residents as part of their stay? (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this group of questions is to gather information on the types of psychological or psychiatric services that are provided to residents as part of their stay. These may be referred to as mental health services. Respondents should answer Yes or No to each type of service.

• Psychiatric evaluation
• Prescriptions for psychiatric medications
• Psychological testing
• Group therapy NOTE: this refers to group therapy that addresses mental health or psychological/psychiatric conditions specifically and is provided by a therapist or clinician.
• Individual therapy/counseling sessions NOTE: this refers to individual therapy that addresses mental health or psychological/psychiatric conditions specifically and is provided by a therapist or clinician.
• Relaxation/stress management groups
• Anger management groups
• Biofeedback NOTE: Biofeedback is a mind-body technique that involves using visual or auditory feedback to gain control over involuntary bodily functions such as blood flow, blood pressure, and heart rate
• Other

If an “Other” type of service is provided, respondents should provide a brief description on this service.

Does this residence provide any parenting/family services (e.g., couples counseling, parenting classes, childcare, supervised visitation, advocacy in regaining parental rights, domestic violence groups/classes, individual/group counseling for family members, etc.) to residents as part of their stay?
The intent of this question is to determine whether any parenting or family services are provided to residents as part of their stay. If any of the areas listed are provided, respond Yes. If none of the areas listed above are provided, skip the following question.

Which parenting/family services are provided to residents as part of their stay? (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this group of questions is to gather information on the types of parenting or family support services that are provided to residents as part of their stay. These may be referred to as mental health services. Respondents should answer Yes or No to each type of service.

• Couples counseling
• Parenting instruction/classes
• Childcare
• Supervised visitation with child
• Advocacy in regaining custody/parental rights
• Domestic violence education/groups
• Individual or group counseling for family members
• Other

If an “Other” type of service is provided, respondents should provide a brief description on this service.

Does this residence provide any education or employment services (e.g., literacy or ESL instruction, employment readiness counseling/coaching, job training/referral, etc.) to residents as part of their stay?
The intent of this question is to determine whether any education or employment services are provided to residents as part of their stay. If any of the areas listed are provided, respond yes. If none of the areas listed above are provided, skip the following question.

Which education and employment services are provided to residents as part of their stay? (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this group of questions is to gather information on the types of education and employment support services that are provided to residents as part of their stay. Respondents should answer Yes or No to each type of service.

• Literacy instruction
• ESL  (English as a Second Language) instruction
• Employment readiness counseling/coaching
• Job training/referral
• Other

If an “Other” type of service is provided, respondents should provide a brief description on this service.

What records are kept on residents? (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this question is to collect information on the nature and extent of record keeping on those living in the residence. This item was adapted from the Social Model Philosophy Scale (SMPS). Respondents should say Yes or No to each prompt.

• Resident application/intake information
• Intake assessment/evaluations: Intake assessments and evaluations are differentiated from resident application/intake information in that the latter or more general and filled out by the residents prior to meeting with residence staff
• Recovery goals/recovery plan
• Progress notes
• Medication logs
• Drug test results
• Other medical test results
• Referrals and releases of information
• Move-out or discharge summary/aftercare plan
• No records
• Something else

If “Something else” is selected, respondents should provide a brief description of the type of records collected.

How are residents’ records stored? (Check one)
The intent of this question is to capture information regarding how records are maintained on residents. Respondents should select the option that best fits how records are stored for those residents living at the residence. However, if respondents answer “Yes” to No records, they should skip to next question.

• All hardcopy (e.g., paper files and forms)
• All electronic (e.g., electronic health records management software or management systems)
• Mostly hardcopy
• Mostly electronic
• Half hardcopy/half electronic
• Something else

If “Something else” is selected, respondents should provide a brief description of the type of records collected.

Which aspects of programming (e.g. services provided and record keeping) at the residence have changed because of COVID-19? (Check Yes or No to each; check Yes if it remains changed because of COVID-19)
The intent of this question is to identify how aspects of programming has changed since COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the US (roughly March 2020). Respondents are asked to reply Yes or No to each facet of the residence’s characteristics questioned in this section.

• Recovery support services provided
• Substance use treatment services provided
• Medical services provided
• Psychological/psychiatric services provided
• Parenting/family services provided
• Education and employment services provided
• What records are kept on residents
• How resident records are stored

 Questions in this section ask about residence “organizational” characteristics. Some residences may operate as stand-alone service delivery entities. Other residences may be operated by or under the auspices of a parent organization that operates several recovery residences. These questions gather information about recovery housing provided at the residence listed on the cover page, but these questions may be best answered by someone who is familiar with the financial or administrative aspects of this residence or the entity that operates it. Unless otherwise specified in the question, questions in this section should be answered using the “present” timeframe.

[IF THE RESIDENCE LISTED ON THE COVER PAGE IS AN OXFORD HOUSE]

Some of the following items have been populated with information provided by leadership at Oxford House, Inc. Review the pre-populated information to verify that it accurately reflects the organizational characteristics of your residence. Provide responses to all questions that do not have pre-populated responses.
The intent of these instructions is to inform respondents for Oxford Houses that some of the information in this section will be pre-populated. However, all of the pre-populated information must be reviewed to verify its accuracy. All unanswered questions are those that may vary across Oxford House residences and must be answered by the respondent for their Oxford House residence.

How long has this residence been in operation at the above location? (Select one)
The intent of this question to ascertain how long the residence has been located at the address listed on the cover page.

If the residence has been located there for less than 1 year, the respondent should specify the number of months. Round half months up to the nearest whole month (e.g., 6 and a half months would be recorded as 7 months). If the residence has been there for more than one year, the respondent should specify the number of years. Round half years up to the nearest whole year (e.g., 2 and a half years would be recorded as 3 years).

Is this residence operated by a … ?
The intent of this question is to ascertain the auspices under which the residence is operated. What is the nature of the entity that is protecting, backing, or supporting this residence?

Respondents are asked to identify whether their residence is operated by:

• A private for-profit entity (LLC, sole-proprietorship, etc.): This is a business classification for which the profits belong to the owner/owners/shareholders.
• A private not-for-profit organization: This is a business classification for which the profits are used to further its objective, rather than distributed to the organization’s shareholders, leaders, or members. Respondents who select this option are then asked to identify whether the residence is a:
  • Recovery community organization defined as being led and governed (at least 51%) by persons by persons in recovery of affected family members;
  • Religious/Faith-based organization
• A public institution: This is a type of not-for-profit organization that is backed through public funds and controlled by the funder. Respondents are asked to further identify whether this entity is funded by:
  • Federal government (e.g., VA, DOD, Indian Health Services)
  • State government
  • County/local government
  • Tribal government

If none of the above listed classifications fit, the respondents should check “Something else” and provide a description of the nature of the entity owning/operating the residence.

Who provides services to residents living in this residence?
The intent of this question is to identify the types of individuals available to support those living at the residence.

Respondents are asked to indicate whether residents have access to or come into contact with a variety of different types of helping individuals. Respondents should check Yes even if the position is not exclusively providing services to residents in that residence. For example, an operator with several residences may engage a therapist who provides services to residents at the residence listed as well as other residences own/operated by the larger parent entity. NOTE: The same individuals may “wear many hats” and perform duties across several different roles. Respond with the position that best captures the individual’s job title. For example, if the house manager also performs intakes with new residents and supports individuals in the capacity of a recovery coach/peer specialist, count the individual as the house manager. Other individuals who provide direct support and services to resident can also be added (e.g., transportation specialists), but do not include individuals who do not have direct contact with residents, even if they are paid.

Respondents are then asked whether the individual in the position is paid by the entity operating the residence. For these questions, payment can include waiver or reduction of fees associated with living in the residence (NOTE: this is why we don’t say “employed”). Payment can also include paid contracts with other community organizations in which the entity is not directly paying the individual but paying the organization. If the entity does not pay an individual or an organization for these services, the individual providing them is not paid (they are volunteers), even if they are a “professional” and are paid in another capacity to provide these services elsewhere.

Respondents are also asked whether individuals “work” onsite, meaning whether they provide services at the residence. Respondents should check Yes if, at any point, the individual comes to the home to provide this service even if they may generally provide services/support at another location. For example, if there is a therapist who does individual sessions in an offsite office but comes to the residence to run groups, respondents should check that the therapist works onsite. If there is a house manager, respondents are asked to indicate whether the house manager lives onsite.

NOTE: These questions were adapted from the Addiction Treatment Inventory (ATI), which provides guidance on how to calculate FTEs for various positions for multiple people occupying the same role and providing services across multiple services delivery units (e.g., multiple therapists and therapists who might split their time across different programs). Since this survey is self-administered, and we wanted to make this as easy as possible, we dropped trying to ascertain “how many” (full or part-time) people are responsible for providing services to residents at the residence. This prohibits analyses of concepts like resident to staff ratio, but it will provide a snapshot of the different types of individuals available to support residents.

If there are no staff are checked above, skip the following three questions.

What percent of the staff for the residence are in recovery?
The intent of this question is to assess the percent of staff helping residents who are in recovery. “Staff” refers to the individuals listed in the prior question. Calculate the percent based on whether the individual holding the position identifies as a person in recovery.

According to program policy, what percent of the staff positions require a certificate or a degree/some kind of professional training?
The intent of this question is to assess the percent of staff who have received training (in an educational setting or through other training/certification programs) to offer services to residents. “Staff” refers to the individuals listed in the prior question. Calculate the percent based on whether the program requires the individual to have specific degree/certification.

Is there designated office space for staff who work on site at the residence?
This question was adapted from the Social Model Philosophy Scale (SMPS). Social model programs attempt to diminish hierarchical division between staff and residents. Compartmentalization and privatization of space is thought to reinforce hierarchy and hampers flexibility of residence space. Respond yes to this question even when office space is only designated for some staff.

Does the [entity/organization/institution] operating this residence have contracts or formal (written/signed) referral agreements with a …
The intent of this question is to collect information on formal linkages with other service providers across a variety of different service delivery sectors. In this survey “formal” means written agreements or contracts with a provider or other human service entity. Respond with the provider in the category that best represents the services delivered. For example, if the residence has a contract with a substance use treatment program that also provides mental health services, code the contract as one with a substance use treatment program. Provide a description of any provider that does not fit into the categories of substance use treatment program, mental health clinic, health clinic, criminal justice entity.

How are fees for residents’ stays recovered?
The intent of this question is to collect information on “billing” for resident stays and who is responsible for paying fees associated with resident stays. Since many different entities may be responsible for paying residents fees, respondents should check Yes to all that apply.

• Residents’ stays are billed to contracts with public entities: This option refers to resident fees being billed to contracts with public entities that pay for some or all a resident’s stay. If contracts with such public entities exist, the respondent should answer questions about whether these are contracts with federal, state, or local (either city or county) entities.
• Residents’ stays are billed to contracts with private institutions: This option refers to resident fees being billed to private entities such as through contracts with treatment programs, hospitals, or other service providers.
• Residents’ stays are billed to residents: This option refers to fees being charged to residents or other individuals (e.g., family members) who pay “out of pocket” for residents’ stays.
• Residents’ stays are billed to residents’ insurance: This option refers to fees being billed to insurance. If resident fees are billed to insurance, respondents should indicate which types of insurance are billed using the categories of private insurance, public insurance (such as Medicare, Medicaid, VA, or other state-financed health insurance other than Medicaid).
• Residents’ stays are covered by public grant/award: This option refers to residents’ stays being paid for with funds granted by a public award. This arrangement differs from a contract in that the public entity is not billed/invoiced for the resident fees. Rather an award is given in one lump sum for a specified purpose.
• Residents’ stays are covered by private grant/award: This option refers to residents’ stays being paid for with monies from a private entity. This arrangement differs from a contract in that the private entity is not billed/invoiced for the resident fees. Rather an award is given in one lump sum for a specified purpose.

If resident fees are covered in any other way, the respondents should describe this in the “Other” category.

Thinking about the last fiscal year, what percent of revenue/funding for this residence came from the sources below?
The purpose of this question is identify the overall financial/reimbursement picture of the residence in the past year. By past year, we mean past fiscal year, which may or may not be the same as the past calendar year. This involves breaking down the percentage of reimbursement received from the sources listed in the table. While the data are certainly meant to be an estimation, this should not be perceived as meaning a “guess”. Information necessary to complete this portion of the interview may be obtained from other staff or from administrative records. The total percentage of revenues should add to 100%. Respondents should provide a clear description of any other sources of revenue in the row marked “other. These categories correspond to those listed in the prior question.

• Contracts with public entities: This includes revenue from public contracts regardless of level (federal/state/local). Examples include contracts with criminal justice (e.g., probation, parole or drug courts) or family services systems or public health or behavioral health departments.
• Contracts with private institutions: This includes revenue from contracts with treatment or other service providers
• Residents’ or responsible party’s self-pay: This includes revenue from residents as well as other family members who may pay for a resident’s stay
• Residents’ private insurance
• Resident’s public insurance (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, or other public insurance)
• Grants/awards from public entities: Grants and awards are differentiated from contracts based on how funds are dispersed.
• Grants/awards from private entities: Grants and awards are differentiated from contracts based on how funds are dispersed.
• Donations from individuals: Donations from individuals are differentiated from grants/award from private organizational entities.
• Written off/unrecovered: This represents the percent of the annual revenue that is not recovered (percent of annual expenses that are “in the red”).

Respondents should provide a clear description of any other sources of revenue in the row marked “Other.”

Which of this residence’s organizational characteristics (e.g., staffing, linkages, sources of revenue, and certification status) changed because of COVID-19? (Check Yes or No to each; check Yes if it remains changed because of COVID-19)

The intent of this question is to identify which of the residence’s organizational characteristics have changed since COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the US (roughly March 2020). Respondents are asked to reply Yes or No to each facet of the residence’s organizational characteristics queried in this section.

• It is operated by a different entity: This refers back to Is this residence operated by a …? If the response to this question would have been different before March 2020, code Yes.
• Staffing mix has changed: This refers back to questions about staffing (the type of individuals who support residents and their characteristics). If responses to these questions would have been different before March 2020, code Yes.
• Formal linkages with outside providers/programs/agencies have changed: If responses to the question about formal linkages would have been different before March 2020, code Yes.
• Sources of revenue have changed: This refers to questions about recovery of resident fees and revenue sources. If responses to these questions would have been different before March 2020, code Yes.
• Certification/licensing/accreditation has changed: If responses to the question about Certification/licensing/accreditation has changed would have been different before March 2020, code Yes.

Questions in this section are about the orientation or philosophy of the residence. These questions should be answered by someone who knows about the day-to-day operations of the residence. However, it may be helpful to collect input from someone who might have been involved in establishing the residence or who is familiar with the overall mission or vision of the organization/entity that operates it. Unless otherwise specified in the question, questions in this section should be answered using the “present” timeframe.

What is considered a successful outcome for residents living in this residence? (Check Yes or No to each)
The intent of this question is to collect information on how success is conceptualized for those living in the residence. Respondents should say Yes or No to each prompt.

• Staying at the residence for a specified amount of time
• Regular involvement in a mutual help group
• Employment/Enrollment in an educational program
• Obtaining permanent housing
• Engagement in the healthcare system (e.g., obtaining health insurance, seeing a medical doctor)
• Engagement in behavioral healthcare system (e.g., obtaining and or completing mental health or substance use treatment)
• Resolution of or continued compliance with criminal justice system involvement
• Engagement/re-engagement with family members
• Abstinence from alcohol and illicit drugs
• Reduction in alcohol and illicit drug use
• Discontinuation of use of medications for alcohol/drug cravings and addiction management
• Something else

If “Something else” is selected, respondents should provide a brief description of the type of records collected.

How closely would your responses to the above question match with how others living in the residence might respond?
The intent of this question is to gather information about consensus on program orientation within the residence. Use the response options below:

• Not at all
• Somewhat close
• About the same
• Exactly the same
• Don’t know

To what extent is your residence run based on 12-step principles? (Check one)
The intent of this question is to gather information on how closely the programming in the residence or the residence orientation is based on 12-step principles (those outlined in the Big Book). Respondents should select one option from the following:

• Not at all
• A little
• Somewhat
• Quite a bit
• Completely

Would you describe this residence as a social model program? (Check one):
The intent of this question is to gather information on whether the residence is a considered a social model program. Social model programs are ones in which the basis of authority is experiential knowledge of recovery. The respondent should select one response and can select “Don’t Know” if they are unfamiliar with what a social model program is or if they don’t know whether their residence could be considered one.

On a scale from 0-100%, to what extent is the residence consistent with the social model philosophy?
Respondents who would describe their residence as a social model program are asked to indicate (on a scale from 0-100%) the extent to which their program is consistent with the social model philosophy.

These next questions ask about the environment in the residence.
The intent of these questions is to get a sense of the environment within the residence. Respondents should respond to each prompt checking: Not at all; A little; Somewhat; Quite a bit; A lot.

• To what extent do residents provide emotional support to each another?
• To what extent do residents socialize together?
• To what extent do residents support each other to address practical problems, such as where to find needed services, how to find employment, transportation, etc.?
• To what extent do residents go to 12‐step or other mutual-help meetings together?
• How effective are house meetings in terms of resolving problems and conflicts?
• To what extent are residents involved in decisions that affect the house?
• To what extent do residents work a 12-step or other recovery program on a daily basis within residence? This would include things like using 12‐step or other mutual-help principles to address conflicts and other problems.
• To what extent do residents point out potential harm that could result from relapse or not continuing to work a strong recovery program?

How closely would your responses to the above question match with how others living in the residence might respond?
The intent of this question is to gather information about consensus on program orientation within the residence. Use the response options below:

• Not at all
• Somewhat close
• About the same
• Exactly the same
• Don’t know

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about your residence:
1=Strongly disagree; 2=Disagree; 3=Neither disagree nor agree; 4=Agree; 5=Strongly agree These items were adapted from the CJDATS National Criminal Justice Treatment Program (NCJTP) Survey. The original survey items used the term “program” which was replaced with “the residence”. Respondents should select one option to respond to each item.

• Staff members confront unacceptable behavior outside of individual and group meetings NOTE: This can be left blank if there are no staff at the residence.
• Residents get increased privileges as they advance in the program
• Residents who violate the program rules receive a penalty or sanction
• Residence uses group settings involving the confrontation of negative behavior
• Work is used as part of the therapeutic community
• The residence emphasizes problem-solving techniques to deal with frustration
• The residence explains the use of thought stopping techniques
• The residence encourages clients to praise themselves for behaving well
• The residence helps clients practice saying no to drugs when they are offered
• The residence helps clients to develop a plan to return to abstinence if they slip and use drugs or alcohol
• The residence explains how to work the 12-step program
• The residence explains the reasons why the 12-steps work
• The residence discusses the barriers to 12-step programs
• The residence discusses the goals and strategies of the 12-step program
• The residence explains the importance of working the 12-step program consistently

How closely would your responses to the above question match with how others living in the residence might respond?
The intent of this question is to gather information about consensus on program orientation within the residence. Use the response options below:

• Not at all
• Somewhat close
• About the same
• Exactly the same
• Don’t know

Which aspects of the residence’s orientation (e.g. mission/vision, philosophy, services approach) have changed because of COVID-19? (Check Yes or No to each; check Yes if it remains changed because of COVID-19)
The intent of this question is to identify how “program orientation” may have changed since COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the US (roughly March 2020). Respondents are asked to reply yes or no to each facet of the residence’s characteristics queried in this section.

• What is considered a successful outcome for residents
• The extent to which the program is based on 12-step principles
• The extent to which the residence is consistent with the social model philosophy
• The residence environment
• The residence’s service orientation

This section collects basic information on the individual completing this survey. If more than one person helped complete this survey, this information should reflect the characteristics of the person who completed most of it and could be contacted if project staff had questions about any of the responses in the survey.

What is your job title/role at this residence?
Respondents should check the one option that best described their job title. If no such category exists, respondents should check “Something else” and provide a brief description.

• Owner/Operator
• Program Director
• Administrative Assistant
• House Manager
• Therapist/Counselor/Recovery Coach
• House President
• Senior Resident
• Something else

How long have you had this title? (Check one)
Respondents should check whether they have had this title for more or less than one. If less than one year, respondents should specify the number of months. If more than one year, residents should specify the number of years. Responses should be rounded to nearest whole years and months.

How would you describe yourself? (Check one)
The intent of this question is to collect information on current gender identity. Respondents should select one option.

How old are you?
Respondents should indicate their age in years. Responses should be rounded to nearest whole year.

Are you Hispanic, Latino or Latinx? (Check one)
This question collects information on the respondent’s ethnicity. Respondents should indicate whether they are Hispanic/Latino/Latinx.

Are you… (Check one)
This question collect information on the respondent’s race. Respondents should select one category. Those who are some other race should provide a brief description in the space provided.

• White/Caucasian
• African American/Black
• Asian
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
• American Indian/Alaskan Native
• More than one race
• Some other race

Is there is anything you want to explain about your survey responses or tell us about your residence?

Respondents should use the space to share any explanations about responses to the survey questions. This space can also be used to explain anything that might be important to know about this residence.

How many other individuals were consulted with to complete this survey?
Given that some question might be best answered by individuals in different roles, the intent of this question is to identify the number of other individuals who provided information needed to complete this survey.

Please provide your name, phone number and email address so we can email you the e-gift card as a thank you for completing this survey.

Respondents are asked to provide this information to make sure that the e-gift card is sent to the correct person using the correct email address and phone number. This information will not be published or shared.

Please provide the name, phone number and email address of the person we can contact if we have any questions about this residence or responses to this survey.

Respondents are asked to identify a contact person and provide contact information to make sure that the information collected in this survey is accurate. This information would only be used to address questions about any of the responses provided. This information will not be published or shared.