Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
“Casey’s Law”
The Matthew Casey Wethington Act for Substance Abuse Intervention (“Casey’s Law”) became law on April 9, 2004, and took effect July 13, 2004. This Act, which provides for involuntary treatment for substance abuse problems, was inspired by the death of Matthew Casey Wethington, who died of a heroin overdose at the age of 23.
Operation UNITE is helping to raise awareness of this law’s existence by distributing pamphlets and educating court staff. It is UNITE’s opinion that those with a substance abuse problem often need treatment, but are unwilling to seek assistance. This law has the potential to save lives by enabling family and friends to look out for a person’s best interest.
“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. This law will allow parents, relatives, and/or friends to petition the court for treatment on behalf of the person who is substance abuse impaired.
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. People with substance abuse disorders are often impeded in their ability to make rational decisions.
Addiction is a progressive, life-threatening disease. The best hope for survival for a person who is substance abuse impaired is intervention. Not all people who are substance abuse impaired are arrested or, in the event that they are, may not receive the necessary treatment.
The following steps must be taken in order to involuntarily commit someone to treatment:
Obtain a copy of the petition from the district clerk’s office by requesting Form #700A, the Verified Petition for Involuntary Treatment of Alcohol/Drug Abuse, or click here to download.
A spouse, relative, friend or guardian of the substance abuse impaired person completes the petition and files it with the district clerk.
The court reviews the allegations in the petition and examines the petitioner under oath.
The court determines whether there is probable cause to order treatment for the person named in the petition (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 purpose of the hearing.
The respondent is evaluated by two qualified health professionals, at least one of whom is a physician.
If the court finds the respondent should undergo treatment, the court shall order treatment from 60 days up to 360 days, depending upon the request in the petition and the result of the hearing.
As the law is currently written the petitioner is obligated to pay all costs incurred in the process as well as for treatment and must sign a guaranty for payment.
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
Official Site of Operation UNITE
2292 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501
606-677-6179 ● Toll Free 1-866-OP-UNITE ● Fax 606-677-6166
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
