Court personnel and other officials from the region gathered at the Christian County Justice Center Thursday morning to learn more about a law that can help families get their loved ones to treatment and help recover from drug use.
Casey’s Law, which was passed by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2004, was named after 23-year old Matthew “Casey” Wethington who died after a heroin overdose.
The law allows parents, relatives, or friends to petition the court for treatment on behalf of a person who is unable to recognize their need for treatment due to their impairment.
Advocate Joan Arlinghaus says Christian County families can begin the process for Casey’s Law by picking up a petition and other information at the circuit court clerk’s office or county attorney’s office.
The beginning process includes getting appointments scheduled with professional evaluators before turning the petition into the county attorney’s office.
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The other appointment must be made with a qualified mental health professional, with Arlinghaus noting the Pennyroyal Center provides that service for Christian County residents.
In Christian County, there are no fees to turn in the petition, although Arlinghaus stresses the person turning it in must commit to paying any costs that come with the process and treatment, with the state offering low to no-cost options.
District Court Judge Foster Cothoff stresses the importance of filling out the petition with as much information as possible as it is the first time they are made aware of the issue.
Arlinghaus adds she became an advocate for the law after dealing with her daughter’s addiction to heroin.
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Arlinghaus and other advocates are touring the state in hopes to spread awareness for the law and hope that other families will be able to use it to help their loved ones. More information on the law can be found at caseyslaw.org.
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