Casey’s Law training to be held in Glasgow next week   

Glasgow, Ky.-A special training in Glasgow next week will help the family and friends of substance abusers learn of a new way to help out their loved one.

The Matthew Casey Wethington Act for substance Abuse Intervention or Casey’s Law allows parents, relatives and/or friends to seek out involuntary treatment for a someone who is struggling with substance abuse. They can do this by petitioning the court, and do not have to incur criminal charges or penalties.

The law is named for Casey Wethington, who died from a heroin overdose in 2002 at the age of 23. His mother then campaigned for Casey’s Law as a way to make it easier for families to get treatment for their loved ones.

The law has been around since 2004, and several agencies are now partnering to help people better understand how to utilize it.

“Many times, the individuals may not realize that they have a problem, but family members, friends, co-workers and others realize that. So, Casey’s Law allows them to petition the court in order to get them into treatment,” said Krissy Coe Fields, Barren County Circuit Court Clerk.

Barren County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, KY-ASAP of Barren, Hart & Metcalfe counties and KY Office of Drug Control Policy are all partnering for the training which will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. May 7.