CAUCUS GROUPS

CAUCUS GROUPS

Progress is found in a diversity of voices.

Individuals with lived experience have joined OCAAR in focused advocacy work groups that help define OCAAR’s advocacy and shape state policy. By leveraging our collective influence, resources, and expertise we create change in Ohio. These groups collaborate, strategize, and advocate as dynamic force in Ohio’s recovery policy landscape.

If you’re ready for your voice to be heard, it’s never too late to get involved! Review the policy statements for each caucus below and sign up for the group(s) you’re most interested in. All requests are reviewed by OCAAR, who will reach out with more information and next steps, Remember, nothing about us without us!

DECRIMINALIZING ADDICTION

Decriminalizing addiction shifts the focus from punishment to treatment, recognizing substance use disorders as health issues rather than criminal acts. This approach aims to reduce stigma, improve access to support services, and lower incarceration rates for non-violent drug offenses.

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT

People with substance use disorders (SUDs) have the right to education and employment opportunities free from discrimination. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect individuals in recovery or undergoing treatment, ensuring they are not unfairly excluded from schools, workplaces, or job opportunities.

Access to education and fair employment practices empowers people with SUDs to rebuild their lives, fostering independence and stability. Promoting these rights helps reduce stigma, supports recovery, and benefits society by enabling individuals to contribute their skills and talents.

FAMILY SUPPORT

Ohio and its laws often fail to adequately support families, leaving many without the resources they need to help their loved ones. Policies frequently focus on the individual struggling with substance use disorder while overlooking the broader family dynamics that influence recovery. Expanding legal and agency support for family-based interventions and resources is essential to creating a comprehensive framework for addiction recovery that includes the needs of families.

HOUSING

People with substance use disorders (SUDs) often face significant challenges in securing stable housing, which is crucial for their recovery. Stigma associated with addiction can lead to discrimination from landlords and housing providers, making it difficult for individuals to find suitable accommodations. Many rental applications require background checks that may reveal past substance-related offenses, further complicating the search for housing.

Housing Caucus Policy Statement:

To increase the availability of high-quality affordable housing in Ohio for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Housing includes recovery housing, affordable independent rental housing for low-income individuals and families, and viable assistance and options to assist individuals with substance use disorders to purchase and maintain home ownership.

OCAAR’s Housing Caucus focuses our efforts on three main policy points:

Standardizing zoning laws to expand recovery housing
Reducing barriers to housing for individuals with criminal records
Expanding supportive housing for parents in recovery with their children

RECOVERY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

A recovery community organization (RCO) is an independent, non-profit organization led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery. These organizations organize recovery-focused policy advocacy activities, carry out recovery-focused community education and outreach programs, and/or provide peer-based recovery support services.[Link]

RCO Caucus Policy Statement:

We will actively advocate for and educate local stakeholders about the vital role of RCOs. Our goal is to drive county boards to support and fund RCOs across Ohio. Over the next five years, we are committed to expanding RCOs in every county throughout the state.

OCAAR’s RCO Caucus focuses our efforts on four main policy points:

Supporting the expansion of recovery community organizations across all Ohio counties
Expand community understanding of recovery community organizations
Formalize an RCO-specific certification process that fits the needs of recovery community organizations
Establishing equitable accessibility practices for RCOs in application processes and policies

PEER SUPPORT

Supporting Certified Peer Supporters through policy initiatives and higher wages is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of recovery services. By implementing policies that ensure fair compensation, we can attract and retain skilled peer supporters, acknowledging their expertise and the invaluable support they offer. Additionally, investing in training and resources for peer supporters enhances their capacity to help others, ultimately leading to better recovery outcomes and healthier communities.

Peer Support Caucus Policy Statement:

Ohio certified peer supporters will have clear pathways for career advancement, with opportunities for additional education and experience to enhance their expertise and grow within their field. Peer supporters deserve workplaces that are supportive and peer-friendly

OCAAR’s Peer Support Caucus focuses our efforts on four main policy points:

Billing and payment for peer support services (Medicaid and Non-Medicaid)
Professionalization of Ohio’s Peer Workforce
Establishing a career ladder for the peer workforce
Peer-friendly work environments for peer supporters