Casey's Law.
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Does someone you love suffer from a substance use disorder?
Did you know you can force someone into treatment under Caseys Law.

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About
Casey's Law

Casey’s Law allows family members, parents, relatives and/or friends in Kentucky and Ohio to file paperwork with a local court to force someone to go to addiction treatment when that person is unable to recognize their need for help. Casey’s Law provides a means of intervening with someone who is unable to recognize his or her need for treatment due to their impairment.

How does it work?

Select your county from the drop-down on the Kentucky courts website to find the address, hours and phone number of your circuit court. Under category, select Circuit Clerks.
Select a treatment provider. Understand the cost and logistics of your selection so they are ready to go when court-ordered.
Make appointments for your loved one to be evaluated by two qualified professionals within 1-10 days of when you turn in the petition. These appointments need to be listed on the petition so their attendance can be courted ordered. (Ethan Health locations are able to accommodate both evaluations back-to-back).
File this petition (PDF) with your circuit clerk.
The petition is reviewed by the court, including your “under oath” statement, and determines if there is probable cause to continue the process.
If probable cause is established, the court orders the respondent to be evaluated and a hearing is set within fourteen days.
The respondent is notified of the date and purpose of the hearing.
Both evaluation appointments should be attended and submitted to the court at least 24 hours before the hearing. (If refused, their lack of attendance will be part of the judge’s consideration to mandate treatment).
If the court finds the respondent should undergo treatment, the court shall order treatment from 60 days to 360 days, depending upon the request in the petition and the result of the hearing.

To view the Casey’s Law manual click here

we’re here to Answer all your questions

If you don’t see your question answered, give us a call or speak with us on live chat, we’re available 24/7.

Does involuntary treatment work?

Studies show that involuntary treatment can be just as successful as voluntary treatment. Most individuals who are substance abuse impaired receive court-ordered treatment only after they have become arrested for a crime while under the influence of a substance. Drugs and crime often go hand in hand because people who are substance abuse impaired are forced by their disease to resort to any means necessary to procure their drug. Court-ordered treatment can be effective regardless of who initiates it.

Do the People with Substance Use Disorders Have to Want Help?

Denial and distorted thinking impedes their ability to make a rational decision. The “bottom” for many is death. Addiction is a progressive, life-threatening disease. The best hope of survival for a person who is substance abuse impaired is intervention.

Where do they go for treatment?

The court allows you the petitioner to choose where they go for treatment. At Ethan Health we can provide treatment for those casey’s law cases.

Why Not Wait for Court Intervention?

Not all people who are substance abuse impaired are arrested or, in the event that they are, may not receive the necessary treatment.

What is the Length of Treatment that can be Ordered?

Treatment options can vary depending on the circumstances of each individual case and can range from detoxification to intensive treatment through recovery.

What Happens if the Respondent Fails to Comply at Anytime During the Process?

Failure to comply may place the respondent in contempt of court which means they can go to jail until they agree, but it doesn’t create a criminal record.

Who Pays for Treatment?

The petitioner is responsible for the cost of treatment, but most counties allow you to use their insurance. You can call treatment facilities to confirm your cost. Our locations in Kentucky accepts people from across the state and is in-network with most insurances

When should I enact Casey's Law?

Involuntary drug and alcohol treatment should only be used as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted and the individual is a direct threat to their health.

Families who are considering filing for Casey’s Law should be sure they have already taken the following measures:

Approach your loved one, and with respect and love, ask them to go to treatment.
Establish firm boundaries and stick to them. For example – “You are not allowed to live in my house while you are getting high.”
Hold an intervention with family members and friends. If possible, get a licensed interventionist to lead the meeting.

Many people agree to treatment after an open and honest conversation with their loved ones.

Doing it that way could help them feel less angry and better understand you’re coming at them with love.

How Can Ethan Health Support You with Casey’s Law?

Ethan Health offers a team of advocates experienced in helping families navigate the Casey’s Law process. For assistance, you can contact them via the live chat.

Our medical professionals, including physicians and counselors, are available to conduct the necessary Casey’s Law assessments through telehealth. Once the petition is submitted to the court, the person struggling with substance use must undergo two evaluations by medical professionals within 14 days, one of which must be done by a physician. Our intake team can arrange these assessments via telehealth, ensuring a quick and efficient process.

Most Insurances Accepted

We accept most major Kentucky Medicaid and Commercial insurers. Your plan will usually cover the cost of our treatment services leaving no cost to you. Speak to us to find out more.