Pubdate: Wed, 20 Jun 2001
Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Surrey Leader
Contact:  http://www.surreyleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236
Author: Kevin Diakiw

REGION REINS IN RECOVERY HOUSES

The doors of recovery homes failing to comply with new regulations are 
about to closein the South Fraser Health Region.

About 30 of the facilities have shut down, unable to afford the expensive 
renovations and program changes necessary for compliance.

The situation has left addicts wandering the streets looking for help, 
addiction experts say.

Susan Lewis closed her recovery home two years ago in the face of 
increasing regulations. Of her former addict clients, she says "almost all 
are loaded ... a lot of them are on Hastings Street."

The addiction professional of 10 years says the closure of recovery homes 
isn't the answer.

But at least one local recovery activist disagrees.

Christine Eden owned a recovery home until 1997, when she shut it down due 
to personal health reasons. Still active in the recovery community, Eden 
says most of the other homes that have recently closed merely served as 
flop houses.

"The ones that are working are the ones that are going through the 
(province's) application process," says Eden.

The latest phase of that process began two weeks ago, when the regional 
health authority began "progressive enforcement" of Surrey's recovery 
homes, targeting those that don't comply with the Community Care Facilities 
Act.

For almost two years, the South Fraser Health Region has required local 
recovery homes to follow the same rules as other care facilities, such as 
seniors' housing and day cares.

Those new guidelines are responsible for a dramatic drop in the number of 
recovery homes in Surrey.

Only a few years ago, Surrey had a total of 54 recovery houses, one-third 
the province's total. The majority of them were established to provide care 
for people trying to beat drug or alcohol addiction. However, until now, a 
viable system hasn't been in place to ensure addicts and alcoholics are 
getting standardized and adequate care.

In August 1999, the South Fraser Health Region informed local recovery home 
operators they would have to clear criminal record checks, provide adequate 
staffing, and acceptable menus. In addition, the homes would require 
sprinkler systems, and a minimum number of sleeping rooms.

Due to those related costs, the number of recovery homes in Surrey has 
dropped to 14.

Officials expect that number will further decrease as the region begins 
additional enforcement.

The most recent home to face the crackdown is Renaissance House at 10606 
142 St.

Paul Hundal, the chief licensing officer for the health region, said Monday 
that Renaissance has had more than a year to comply.

"Unfortunately, they haven't been that co-operative," Hundal said.

Renaissance, a house primarily for methadone patients, had until yesterday 
(Tuesday) to meet the standards set by the B.C. Community Care Facilities Act.

Dr. Brad Caulfield, who helps run Renaissance, said Monday compliance is 
unlikely any time soon.

He refutes a recent report in a local newspaper that claimed the staff at 
Renaissance were dispensing methadone.

The pharmacist from Care Point pharmacy attended the home on a regular 
basis to administer supervised doses of the drug, he says.

As to bringing the recovery home up to provincial code, Caulfield said it 
would cost about $50,000 for a larger kitchen, sprinkler system and 
staffing. He added there's no guarantee of subsequent provincial funding.

So far, only four of the city's original 54 facilities now fall within 
provincial guidelines.

They include Path to Freedom at 190 St. and 56 Ave., Phoenix Men's house, 
which operates two homes in Newton on the King George Hwy. near 68 Ave., 
and Liz's Place in Guildford. Only Path to Freedom is city licensed.

Hundal believes the final number of Surrey recovery homes will be between 
eight and 10.

Sid Brar helps run New Beginnings methadone clinic at 10690 135 A St., in 
North Surrey and says the recovery houses are an important stop on the 
healing journey.

Closing the facilities down sends the wrong message to people trying to 
break free from the grip of addiction, she says.

"What are we sayin?" Brar asks. "You don't matter."

Eden maintains most of the Surrey's recovery homes have been that in name 
alone.

"They (addicts) are just using it as a place to crash."

Lewis doesn't see a problem.

"Yeah, they are flop houses," Lewis allows. "At least they're off the 
street - they're not in dumpsters on Hastings or in Whalley."
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager