Co-Occurring Disorders Court

The Co-Occurring Disorders Court (CODC) is a specialty docket designed for individuals whose involvement in the criminal justice system is driven by both a substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health needs.

The program combines judicial supervision, treatment, case management, and accountability to support recovery, improve stability, and reduce recidivism. Participation is voluntary and requires a plea agreement and acceptance of responsibility.

The Co-Occurring Disorders Court is a statewide program based at the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta.

How the Program Works

The Co-Occurring Disorders Court is a structured, team-based court program designed to serve participants with complex behavioral health needs.

Participants work closely with a multidisciplinary treatment court team and may be required to:

  • Appear regularly before the presiding judge
  • Meet with a case manager and supervision staff
  • Participate in mental health, substance use, and recovery support services
  • Submit to frequent, random, and observed drug and alcohol testing
  • Comply with program rules, court orders, and supervision requirements
  • Work toward recovery, stability, and accountability in the community

The program uses treatment, supervision, incentives, and graduated responses to support engagement, accountability, and long-term stability.

Participation typically lasts at least one year, and many participants remain in the program longer depending on their needs and progress.

Who May Be Eligible

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

In general, the Co-Occurring Disorders Court is intended for individuals who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have co-occurring substance use and mental health treatment needs
  • Are involved in a criminal case or probation matter
  • Are assessed as high-risk and high-need for recidivism
  • Are unlikely to succeed on traditional supervision without structured intervention

Not every person who applies will be admitted.

How to Apply

A Treatment Court Referral Form (CR-234) may be submitted by:

  • The defendant
  • A defense attorney
  • A probation officer
  • A family member
  • A treatment provider
  • Another interested person or professional

A referral may be submitted at many stages of a criminal case.

After a referral is submitted:

  1. The applicant is screened for legal and clinical eligibility.
  2. The treatment court team reviews the available information.
  3. If appropriate, the applicant may be offered admission through a plea agreement and court approval.

Entry into the program is voluntary.

Before Admission

Before final admission, the applicant must:

  • Review the program requirements with legal counsel
  • Understand the legal consequences of participation
  • Review and sign required court and program documents
  • Agree to treatment court conditions and information-sharing requirements permitted by law

Participation in the Co-Occurring Disorders Court requires a significant time commitment and active engagement in treatment, supervision, and recovery.

Program Requirements

Participants should expect a structured and demanding program.
Requirements may include:

  • Regular court appearances
  • Frequent meetings with case management and supervision staff
  • Mental health and substance use treatment services
  • Recovery support services
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Compliance with supervision conditions
  • Participation in employment, education, or approved community service when appropriate
  • Compliance with treatment expectations, medication management requirements, and supervision conditions established by the court and treatment team

Participants move through multiple phases of the program over time. As participants make progress and demonstrate stability, some requirements may change.

Because the Co-Occurring Disorders Court serves individuals with more complex treatment needs, program expectations and treatment planning may vary based on clinical need and level of care.

Substance Use During Participation

Participants are expected to comply with all program requirements regarding alcohol, controlled substances, prescribed medications, and other substance use during participation in the program.
Program responses to substance use are addressed in accordance with court policies, treatment recommendations, applicable law, and the participant’s clinical needs and stage of progress in the program.

Questions involving prescribed medications or medical marijuana are addressed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policies, applicable law, and clinical and legal considerations.

If an Applicant Is Not Admitted

Because the Co-Occurring Disorders Court is an intensive program with limited capacity, not every applicant who may be eligible will be admitted.

Admission may be denied if:

  • The applicant does not meet legal or clinical criteria
  • The applicant is not appropriate for the program
  • Necessary services or program capacity are not available

If an applicant is not admitted, the case will continue through the regular court process unless another option is identified.

Where the Co-Occurring Disorders Court Operates

The Co-Occurring Disorders Court is a statewide program based at the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta.

Eligible cases may be transferred from courts throughout Maine, depending on the circumstances of the case and program eligibility.

For questions about eligibility, referrals, or current program information, please review the information provided on these webpages, contact the court clerk, or use the contact information listed on the applicable court type page.

Important Program Information

Voluntary Participation
Participation is voluntary. However, once admitted, participants are expected to comply fully with court and program requirements.

Transportation and Attendance
Because the program is based in Augusta, applicants should carefully consider transportation, scheduling, and other practical requirements before applying.

Treatment Needs and Level of Care

Because the Co-Occurring Disorders Court serves individuals with complex behavioral health needs, treatment recommendations and supervision expectations may vary based on clinical need, level of care, and participant stability.

Forms and Resources

Contact

For questions about the Co-Occurring Disorders Court:
Maine Pretrial Services
Capital Judicial Center
Augusta, Maine
Phone: (207) 399-6281

For general questions about Maine Treatment & Recovery Courts:
Specialty Dockets & Grants Coordinator
Administrative Office of the Courts
Phone: (207) 213-2858
Email: specialtydockets@courts.maine.gov