Aroostook treatment court admits first participant

The newest drug treatment court in the state admitted its first participant Friday during the court’s inaugural session, according to a press release from the Maine Judicial Branch. 

The launch of the Aroostook County Adult Treatment and Recovery Court means the treatment court system is accessible statewide. Aroostook County was the last area of Maine to not have access to a treatment court. 

According to the release by the judicial branch, the new court will offer evidence-based services throughout northern Maine, and is aimed at “helping people facing civil or criminal charges address the underlying causes of criminal behavior while promoting accountability, recovery and public safety.”

“This is an exciting day for Aroostook County,” said Superior Court Justice Stephen Nelson, who presided over the court session. “I am delighted that we have an interagency team trained and excited to implement this program and that we have accepted our first participant.”

Treatment courts work to identify people in the criminal justice system struggling with substance use disorder and offer treatment, supervision and support services. 

Plans for the court have been in the works for years, and last year Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a bill to fund the Aroostook court.