The Parham Papers

21/12/2025

Key reform neutralized in recovery housing workgroup’s final recommendations

What began as a proposal to end sober home operators’ control over residents’ treatment ultimately became language that preserves the existing business model. During workgroup sessions convened ear…

30/10/2025

📣 Want to learn how advocacy really works?

Join SAARA’s Advocacy Manager, Michael Sizemore, for our Advocacy 101 Workshop — perfect for anyone who wants to understand advocacy from start to finish!

🗓 Monday, November 25
🕙 10:00 AM
💻 On Zoom
🔗 Register here: www.saara.org/upcoming-events

You’ll learn how to effectively advocate for what matters most, how to talk to your legislators, and how ideas become laws. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, this free workshop will give you the tools and confidence to make your voice heard! 💪

28/09/2025

Draft proposal could rattle Richmond’s sober-home-to-outpatient pipeline

At last week’s final meeting of the SB838 recovery housing workgroup, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) announced a draft proposal aimed at stopping sober home …

02/09/2025

SB838 update 6: Complaint pathways, investigations and NDAs in recovery housing

Who can sober home residents turn to if they’re being exploited or treated unfairly? Who can family members or neighbors call when they have concerns? For years, the options have been slim. Complai…

26/08/2025

Thanks RVA Magazine!

Journalist Christa Motley’s Parham Papers investigation exposes how Virginia’s recovery housing funds were steered to VARR insiders, including ties to Sen. Lamont Bagby’s family. Her reporting uncovered secret grants, misused rent subsidies, and resident mistreatment, sparking legislative refo...

26/08/2025

SB838 update 5: Resident choice in treatment still elusive

Will the recovery housing workgroup make any progress toward protecting residents’ rights to choose their own healthcare providers? As with protections from arbitrary evictions, the answer is uncle…

24/08/2025

SB838 update 4: Workgroup stalls on eviction safeguards

Will sober home residents gain protection from abrupt, unjust evictions? That remains an open question. This is the fourth in a series of updates on the SB838 workgroup, which is still deliberating…

22/08/2025

Police report raises new assault allegation against Starfish Recovery’s Frank Bellanger

A newly obtained, redacted police report documents another woman’s assault allegation against Frank Bellanger, owner and CEO of Starfish Recovery & Wellness. The report classified the February …

20/08/2025

SB838 update 3: Workgroup weighs safety standards, enforcement powers in recovery homes

Draft proposals would establish baseline living conditions for recovery homes and introduce government enforcement for the first time. This is the third in a series of brief updates on the SB838 wo…

17/08/2025

SB838 update 2: Indigent grant discussion signals shift toward resident autonomy

Draft proposals for sober home bed fee assistance mark a major pivot from an operator-controlled process to one centered on resident choice. This is the second in a series of brief updates on the S…

15/08/2025

SB838 update: Push for more certification options gains traction

The SB838 workgroup is still deliberating on recommendations — due to the General Assembly by Nov. 1 — aimed at strengthening oversight, transparency and resident rights in Virginia’s recovery hous…

09/08/2025

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