On July 13, 2004, a grieving mother turned tragedy into action and changed the future for thousands of Kentucky families.
This Sunday marks the 21st anniversary of the Matthew Casey Wethington Act for Substance Abuse Intervention, more commonly known as Casey’s Law, a powerful legal tool that empowers families to fight for their loved ones’ lives.
Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) is commemorating this milestone by encouraging Kentuckians to learn more about how Casey’s Law can break through the silence and denial of addiction, giving families the ability to intervene before it’s too late.
“When someone you love is being swallowed by addiction and refuses help, it’s devastating,” said Vanessa Keeton, ARC’s Vice President of Marketing. “But Casey’s Law offers a legal path forward, one that centers on hope, healing, and recovery.”
A Law Born from Love and Loss
Casey’s Law was named after Matthew Casey Wethington, who died of a heroin overdose at just 23 years old. His mother, Charlotte Wethington, tried everything to get him into treatment, but at the time, there was no legal mechanism in Kentucky that allowed families to seek help for a loved one who wouldn’t accept it.
Charlotte turned her grief into a movement, and today, her work continues to save lives. She uses her story to educate, inspire, and support families facing the same heartbreak she once did.
How Casey’s Law Works
Casey’s Law allows parents, spouses, relatives, or friends to petition the court to legally require someone with a substance use disorder to enter treatment. It applies to people of any age and does not involve pressing criminal charges.
Here’s how the process works:
- A concerned loved one files a petition with their local District Court Clerk.
- The court reviews the petition and, if probable cause is found, orders two evaluations, one by a physician and one by a qualified mental health professional.
- If the evaluations confirm that treatment would benefit the individual, a judge may order them into a level of care that suits their needs—from detox and withdrawal management to long-term residential treatment.
Hope Starts with One Step
Since its inception, Casey’s Law has been used thousands of times, with many of those individuals now living fulfilling lives in recovery. From parents reunited with their children to individuals now working in treatment centers, the impact of this law is profound and far-reaching.
“It’s more than a legal process. It’s a second chance,” Keeton said. “We’ve seen firsthand how that second chance can turn into a brand-new life.”
Support Is Just One Call Away
ARC knows how overwhelming the court system can feel. That’s why a dedicated team of Casey’s Law advocates is standing by to guide families every step of the way.
To speak with an advocate, email caseyslaw@arccenters.com or call 606-658-8338. You can click here to access step-by-step resources.
