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Resident Agreement

Resident Agreement and Policy Acknowledgment

Welcome to Kate’s House

Please complete the Resident Agreement below by reading each section and typing your initials.

1. House Rules

Kate’s House Foundation is a Level II MAT home with staff and Peer Mentors to assist you in your recovery. We value honesty, integrity, cooperation, and zen in our homes. Our goal is to be collaborative and to support you in achieving your recovery goals. The owners of Kate’s House Foundation, Frank and Sherri Candelario, Ph.D., are available and accessible to you as needed. You agree to abide by all house rules as listed in the Kate’s House Resident Handbook, including recovery practices, curfew, chores, conduct, and no guest policies. No refunds of room charges, bed fees or move-in fees will be issued if residency ends due to rule violation or early move-out.

Print First and Last Name(Required)

2. Confidentiality Agreement

Kate's House Foundation and its staff will respect the privacy of residents. Any information concerning residents, potential residents, and visitors will be treated with the utmost respect. Staff will regularly review confidentiality requirements to comply with both state and federal confidentiality laws.

All data collected on residents that will be shared with governing agencies will protect individual identities. This data will only be used to improve the quality of services.

Kate's House Foundation will ensure the safety of resident records. Personal information will be protected by reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or alteration.

Confidentiality on patient-identifying records may be broken without resident consent only in extenuating circumstances, such as when resident or staff safety is at risk, child or elderly abuse is suspected, or if a court order is received.

Outside of these circumstances, patient-identifying information will never be sold, lent, or given to third parties without resident consent.

Kate's House Foundation will obtain informed voluntary consent from residents before any information is released to agencies or family members.

Kate's House Foundation staff and residents also have a responsibility for keeping the confidentiality of others in the program. This includes not confirming or denying another client’s participation to outside agencies or people via telephone, in-person, on social media, or in written requests.

As a resident of Kate's House Foundation, you consent and agree to the terms marked above. You will be informed of any changes to this agreement at least a week before they come into effect.

3. Release of Information

I understand that my express consent is required to release any health care information relating to testing, diagnosis, or treatment of psychiatric disorders/mental health, as well as drug and alcohol use, from the Kate's House Foundation, as well as any other such agency or a medical practice from which I have received services. If I have been tested, diagnosed, and treated for psychiatric disorders, mental health, or drug and alcohol use, I specifically authorize the release of all health care information relating to such testing, diagnosis, and treatment.

TIME LIMITATION OF RELEASE: This consent is valid until I move out or due to a violation of house guidelines am asked to leave Kate’s House Foundation.

4. Illicit Drug and Alcohol Screening Policy

Kate’s House Foundation is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all residents in their recovery journey. This policy outlines the procedures for drug and alcohol screening both at move-in and under reasonable suspicion of use. We respect resident privacy, and all screening records are confidential and shared only in accordance with our privacy policy.

Screening Procedures:

  • Initial Screening at Move-In: All residents are required to undergo a comprehensive drug and alcohol screening upon move-in to Kate’s House Foundation. The costs of this screening are included in the residents’ program fee. If a resident provides recent screening documentation from a reputable provider, we may accept that in lieu of our own test.
  • Subsequent Screenings: May be required if the resident is away overnight, admits to using substances, appears under the influence, or based on reasonable suspicion including physical, behavioral, or observable signs. Refusal to screen will be treated as a positive result.

Screening Costs: The cost of any screening requested by Kate’s House Foundation is included in your program fee. If the resident requests a follow-up or confirmation screening, that cost is their responsibility.

Screening Records: Maintained confidentially, securely, and accessed only by authorized personnel. Retained per regulation, then securely destroyed.

Positive Screening Results: The resident will be notified privately, the program will be informed, and next steps will follow our Recurrence of Use Policy or program recommendations.

Negative Results: No further action beyond recordkeeping.

5. Financial Agreement

Kate’s House Foundation maintains a no-refund policy. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that all payments made, including move-in fees, program fees, and ongoing bed fees, are non-refundable. This includes situations involving early termination of residency or dismissal due to violations of house rules or policies. For more details, refer to the House Rules document.

6. Paid Work Policy

Kate’s House Foundation may offer paid work opportunities to residents under the following conditions:

  • Participation is voluntary
  • Compensation is fair and not tied to housing status
  • Work opportunities are compliant with all local wage and labor laws
  • A clear separation is maintained between housing and employment expectations
  • Residents who wish to pursue paid opportunities outside of the home are encouraged to consult with staff regarding scheduling and program requirements. Work hours may not conflict with required house meetings, chores, or recovery-based programming.

This policy complies with the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards:

  • Paid work arrangements are completely voluntary
  • Residents do not suffer consequences for declining work
  • Residents who accept paid work are not treated more favorably than those who do not
  • All qualified residents are given equal opportunity for available work
  • Paid work must not impair a resident’s recovery progress
  • Paid work is treated the same as any other employment
  • Wages must be fair and at least minimum wage
  • The work arrangement must be seen as fair by a majority of residents
  • Paid work does not grant special privileges
  • Work must not negatively affect morale or the recovery environment
  • Unsatisfactory work arrangements must be ended without negative repercussions that could harm recovery

7. Medication Policy

Residents must manage and store all medications responsibly in their lockbox. Narcotic or addictive medications are not permitted unless prescribed by a physician or medical personnel. Medications must be stored in lockboxes provided by the home.

Staff and peers do not manage or dispense medication. It is your responsibility to keep medications secure and report any misuse immediately. Medication counts may be required at the discretion of staff or house leads.

Disposal Procedure: Expired, unused, or discontinued medications must be reported to staff. Residents must not flush medications down the toilet or place them in household trash. Kate’s House Foundation coordinates disposal through approved take-back locations or licensed pharmacies in accordance with Washington State Department of Health and DEA regulations. Residents may also use authorized mail-back envelopes provided by the home. Walgreens pharmacies offer safe medication disposal kiosks,and may be used as approved locations.

8. Good Neighbor Policy

Residents may provide concerned neighbors the names and contact information for Frank and Sherri Candelario, Ph.D and the concerned house lead or Director of Community Relations in charge. Residents are asked to let the Kate's House Team resolve any neighbor issues, rather than to resolve these themselves.

As a resident of Kate’s House Foundation, you agree to respect the neighborhood. This includes:

  • Absolutely no visitors at any time.
  • No loud music or disturbances
  • Keeping the property in good order, clean and litter free, including no smoking nor vaping in the front yard.
  • Respecting neighbors’ property and privacy
  • Parking only in designated areas

We are a positive presence in the community. Violations may affect your housing status.

9. Prohibited Items and Hazardous Materials Policy

Kate’s House Foundation strictly prohibits the possession or storage of hazardous materials, including but not limited to illicit drugs, alcohol, firearms, ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids, chemical agents, and unauthorized prescription medications. This policy complies with NARR Level II standards and Washington State law, prioritizing resident safety and a recovery-focused environment.

If hazardous items are suspected, a room or personal belongings search may be initiated. All searches must be witnessed by at least two staff members or designated witnesses, and residents will be informed prior to the search unless there is an immediate safety concern. Staff will use gloves and take appropriate precautions. If weapons, illegal substances, or dangerous materials are found, the appropriate program authorities will be notified, and law enforcement will be contacted if needed.

Discovery of prohibited items may result in a written warning, behavioral contract, or immediate discharge, depending on the severity and program guidelines.

10. Reoccurrence of Use Policy (Relapse Policy)


Kate’s House Foundation maintains a zero-tolerance policy for substance use while residing in our homes. Residents agree that any return to use will result in immediate action to ensure the safety and stability of the entire household.

If a resident is found to be actively under the influence, our staff will immediately contact the resident’s care team and family contacts (if on file) to ensure a safe and compassionate transition. The resident will be asked to leave the property for the safety of the community and may be referred to detox services if authorized by the care team.

Residents may be eligible to return to the home after:
• Receiving clearance from their supervising court or care team
• Providing a clean urine analysis (UA)
• Submitting an approved housing stabilization plan

This policy is reviewed and signed by all residents at intake to ensure mutual understanding and consent.

11. Abandoned Property Policy

If you leave the residence, any personal belongings left behind for more than 45 days will be considered abandoned. Abandoned property may be donated or disposed of according to state law (RCW 59.18.310).

12. Enforcement of Policies and Grievance Policies

Residents are expected to follow all house rules and expectations as outlined in the handbook and this agreement. Violations of policies will be addressed promptly by staff or house leads. Repeated or severe violations may result in behavioral contracts, written warnings, or termination of residence.

Residents have the right to file a grievance or complaint about their living environment or treatment by staff or peers. Complaints will be reviewed by Kate's House Foundation leadership in a fair and confidential manner. The resident may submit their grievance in writing to staff or email the Director of Community Relations. The complaint will be reviewed, and a written summary of the resolution process will be documented and shared with the resident.

Escalation Procedure: The resident should first notify the house lead, who will document the concern in a written report. This report will be reviewed by the Director of Community Relations and the Co-Founders, Frank and Sherri Candelario, Ph.D. The leadership team will work collaboratively to resolve the grievance. If the grievance involves conflict with other residents in the house, and the resident desires, Kate's House Foundation will offer to relocate the individual to another home after notifying their program.

Residents who file complaints will not face retribution, intimidation, or negative consequences. Additionally, residents may submit complaints directly to WAQRR (Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences).

Step 1: Reporting and Informal Resolution (WAQRR)
The complaint must be submitted in writing to: WAQRR Complaints, P.O. Box 1978, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, or emailed to grievance@waqrr.org. The committee or its designee will attempt to resolve the issue informally.

To be investigated, a complaint must:
- Be in writing.
- Contain at least one grievant’s full name.
- Contain a means for WAQRR representatives to contact the grievant(s).
- Include enough specific information to establish a date, place, and the grievant(s) involved, or equivalent specific details.
- Contain an allegation that, if found to be true, would constitute a violation of the WAQRR Quality Standards or Code of Ethics. (The complaint does not need to explicitly cite the standards.)

Complaints that will not be investigated include:
- Personal conflicts between residents
- Complaints about organizations not classified as recovery residences under NARR Levels I–IV
- Transitional housing, shelters, or treatment centers not accredited as Level IV providers
- Minor internal issues
- Resolved incidents
- Complaints against non-accredited residences
- Incidents unrelated to the recovery residence or its staff

Initials:

13. Non-Discrimination Statement

Kate’s House Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, familial status, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for all.

14. Release of Information Consent

By agreeing to this policy, you authorize Kate’s House Foundation to share relevant information about your residency with your referring agency, care team, or as required by law—always with your privacy in mind. No personal information will ever be shared publicly or on social media without your written consent.

15. Drug/Alcohol Testing Consent

You consent to random or cause-based drug and alcohol testing, which may include urine, breath, or saliva testing. Refusing to participate in a required test may be treated as a positive result and may affect your residency status.

16. Search and Prohibited Items Policy

For everyone’s safety, Kate’s House Foundation prohibits weapons, drugs, alcohol, drug paraphernalia, and other dangerous items on the property. Staff may conduct searches of personal belongings or rooms with a witness present if there is a concern about prohibited items or safety. A staff member and a witness will be present for any room or property search.

17. Bodily Fluids & Contagious Disease Policy

If there is an incident involving blood, bodily fluids, or other potential biohazard, please notify staff immediately. All cleanup will be performed using gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE), following health and safety guidelines to protect everyone in the house.

18. Smoking/Vaping Policy

Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Smoking is not permitted indoors or within 25 feet of ANY entrance. Please help us keep our homes clean and healthy for all residents.

19. Cash-Free Home and Valuables Policy

Kate’s House Foundation homes are cash-free. Residents do not keep cash in the home, and staff and house leads do not accept, hold, or handle cash for any reason. All fees are paid electronically or by your referring agency. Cash found in the home will be treated as a house rules violation.

All valuables must be locked up at all times. This includes cash, debit and credit cards, identification, phones, electronics, jewelry, and any other item you would not want to lose. Use the lockbox provided by the home or a lock of your own. Kate’s House Foundation is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal property, and items left unsecured are at your own risk.

This policy protects everyone in the home, including you. A cash-free home with valuables locked away removes temptation, prevents disputes between residents, and keeps the focus where it belongs: on your recovery.

20 . Client Agreement

By signing below, you confirm that you have read and understood all rules and policies and agree to abide by them fully as a resident of Kate’s House Foundation.

Signature – Acknowledgment of House Rules and Policies(Required)
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the House Rules of Kate’s House Foundation, including the Reoccurrence of Use Policy, Medication Policy, Confidentiality Agreement, and Drug Testing Policy. I understand that Kate’s House Foundation maintains a zero-tolerance policy for substance use. If I am found to be under the influence, I may be asked to leave the property for safety reasons and a return may only be considered with a clean UA and a court-approved housing stabilization plan. I also acknowledge that this form serves as my official consent to these terms as of the date signed.
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