If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 now.
For families in Kentucky and Ohio, Casey's Law is the legal route to court-ordered treatment for a loved one who won't accept help. It was named for Matthew Casey Wethington, a young man who died of a heroin overdose in 2002, and it was written so that families would have an option other than waiting.
What Casey's Law Does
Casey's Law allows a parent, relative, or friend to petition a court to order involuntary substance-use treatment for someone who cannot or will not seek it on their own. Kentucky enacted it in 2004 (Kentucky Revised Statutes 222.430–222.437); Ohio adopted a version in 2012. It is civil, not criminal — the goal is treatment, not punishment.
Key Takeaway
Casey's Law is a civil court process available in Kentucky and Ohio. A parent, relative, or friend petitions; a judge decides whether treatment is ordered.
Who Can Petition and What You Must Show
A spouse, relative, or friend can file. The petitioner must generally demonstrate that the person suffers from a substance use disorder, presents a danger or threat of danger to themselves or others, can reasonably benefit from treatment, and that no less-restrictive alternative is available. The court reviews the petition, and if the threshold is met, it typically orders an evaluation and holds a hearing before deciding whether to mandate treatment.
The Process, Step by Step
The path runs roughly like this: you file a verified petition with the court; the court reviews it and, if sufficient, orders an assessment by qualified professionals; a hearing is held where the person can be represented; and if the criteria are met, the judge orders treatment for a set period. Ordered treatment can run anywhere from about 60 days up to 360 days depending on the case and the state.
The Cost — Read This Part Carefully
Here is the hard part families are often surprised by: under Casey's Law, the petitioner is typically responsible for the cost of the court-ordered treatment, unless the person qualifies for public assistance or has coverage. That financial exposure is a real barrier and one of the most-cited limitations of the law, so understand it before you file. Check whether the person has insurance — federal parity rules generally require substance-use treatment to be covered comparably to other care — and whether Medicaid or state-funded options apply.
Key Takeaway
The petitioner is generally on the hook for the cost of court-ordered treatment unless insurance or public assistance covers it. Confirm coverage before filing.
What It Can and Can't Do
Casey's Law can open a door that would otherwise stay shut, and external pressure genuinely does get people into treatment who would not have gone on their own. What it can't do is guarantee the outcome — treatment is a beginning, and recovery is a longer process.
It also isn't available everywhere. If you're outside Kentucky or Ohio, check your own state's civil-commitment law, since roughly 34 states have some form. Florida families use the Marchman Act; Massachusetts families use Section 35.
Finding a Facility
Rehab Connect is a directory, not a referral service — we don't recommend specific programs. When treatment is ordered, you can browse licensed facilities in Kentucky or Ohio and contact them directly to confirm they can accept a Casey's Law placement, what levels of care they offer, and what they accept for payment. Elsewhere, browse by state. For the wider set of options, start with the pillar, How to Get Someone Into Rehab Who Doesn't Want to Go.
Related Reading
How to Get Someone Into Rehab Who Doesn't Want to Go Section 35 (Massachusetts) The Marchman Act (Florida) Court-Ordered Rehab vs. Jail How to Stage an InterventionFrequently Asked Questions
Which states have Casey's Law?
Kentucky (2004) and Ohio (2012). Several other states have considered similar legislation, and about 34 states have some form of civil commitment for substance use.
Who can file?
A parent, relative, or friend of the person.
Who pays for the treatment?
Typically the petitioner, unless the person has insurance or qualifies for public assistance — an important cost to understand before filing.
How long is court-ordered treatment?
Roughly 60 to 360 days depending on the case.
Crisis and Support Resources
- Immediate danger, medical emergency, or suspected overdose — call 911.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 (free, confidential, 24/7).
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (free, confidential treatment referral and information, 24/7, English & Spanish).
- Find licensed treatment — FindTreatment.gov, SAMHSA's free, ad-free treatment locator.
This page is drawn from SAMHSA, NIDA, and primary state statutes. It is educational information, not medical or legal advice. Laws and statute sections change — confirm current requirements with a local attorney or your county clerk. Rehab Connect USA is an informational directory; we do not place people in facilities or route calls. Browse licensed facilities and contact them directly.
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