1-800-633-5599 ( TTD / TTY )
only after they have become arrested for a crime under the influence of a substance . Additionally , not all people who are substance abuse impaired are arrested . So , waiting for court involvement outside of Casey ’ s Law may never happen . If you decide to seek involuntary treatment , please refer to the steps below .
Criteria for Involuntary Treatment Order by the Court : Steps in the Casey ’ s Law Process :
• A petition is filed with the district court clerk by a spouse , relative , friend or guardian of the substance impaired person ( respondent ).
• The court reviews the allegation in the petition and examines the petitioner under oath .
• The court determines whether there is a probable cause to order treatment for the respondent .
• If probable cause is established , the court orders the respondent to be evaluated , and a hearing is set within 14 days .
• The respondent is notified of the date and the purpose of the hearing . The respondent is evaluated by two ( 2 ) qualified health professionals , at least one ( 1 ) of whom is a physician . Both will submit reports to the Court . After the reports are received , the Court will schedule a second hearing at which point treatment could be ordered . The process can take up to a month to complete .
• If the court finds the respondent should undergo treatment , the court shall order treatment from sixty ( 60 ) days up to 360 days , dependent upon the request in the petition and the result of the hearing .
• The Petitioner is obligated to pay all costs incurred in the process , including treatment . However , there are many free or low-cost inpatient treatment centers in Kentucky , and several organizations that can help you navigate treatment options .
For the Court to order involuntary treatment , it must find that the person :
• For whom treatment is being sought ( respondent ) suffers from alcohol or drug abuse ;
• The respondent presents an imminent threat of danger to self , family or others as a result of alcohol or drug abuse , or there exists a substantial likelihood of such a threat of danger in the near future ; and
• The respondent can reasonably benefit from treatment ( KRS 222.431 ).
For more information about the Casey ’ s Law Process , contact your local County Attorney ’ s Office or check out Casey ’ s Law – Office of Drug Control Policy – https :// odcp . ky . gov / resources / pages / caseys-law . aspx
For information about substance use or mental health services available in your area , Adanta as your local community mental health center can help ; call for information today : 1-800-954-4782 or www . adanta . org . Appointments available today .
The Adanta Group
CRISIS
CENTER AND 24 HOUR
HOTLINE
1-800-633-5599 ( TTD / TTY )
Emergency Crisis Line
Adanta Community Mental Health Center is Ready to Help !
If you are searching for help or would like more information about services , call toll free 1.800.954.4782 x 0 , visit Adanta ’ s website at www . adanta . org , or Adanta ’ s Facebook page at www . facebook . com / The . Adanta . Group .
Adanta has been serving the Lake Cumberland area since 1967 , delivering quality services to meet the needs of the people served . “ Enhancing Lives ” is the Purpose of the organization , and serves as the beacon for being a great community partner and resource through its services , programs , outreach , and presence in the Lake Cumberland and surrounding counties .**
Adanta is CARF accredited in Adult , Child , & Adolescent Outpatient Treatment ; Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs ; Adult Mental Health Crisis Intervention and Crisis Stabilization ; and Adult , Child , and Adolescent Mental Health , and Alcohol and Other Drugs .
** Outpatient Clinics are located in the counties of Adair , Barren , Casey , Clinton , Green , McCreary , Pulaski , Russell , Taylor , and Wayne .
The Adanta Group , a contractor with the Department for Behavioral Health , Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services , provides behavioral health / substance use services with state and federal funds ..
February 2025 SEKY - Southeast Kentucky Life • 29