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Maine Judicial Branch Announces Launch of Aroostook County Adult Drug Treatment & Recovery Court
Date: 4/6/2026
Program to begin accepting applications June 1, 2026; first court session scheduled for July 9, 2026
The Maine Judicial Branch, in collaboration with partnering state departments and agencies, is pleased to announce the launch of the Aroostook County Adult Drug Treatment & Recovery Court (TRC), to be located at the Caribou District Court. The TRC will serve eligible participants from throughout Aroostook County. This specialized docket expands access to treatment and recovery services in northern Maine and reflects a coordinated statewide effort to address substance use disorders through the criminal justice system.
The Aroostook County Adult Drug Treatment & Recovery Court has been made possible through legislative action and initial funding approved by the Maine Legislature, supporting the continued expansion of treatment court services across the state.
The program will begin accepting referrals on June 1, 2026, with the first court session scheduled for July 9, 2026.
Treatment & Recovery Courts offer an alternative approach for individuals whose substance use contributes to involvement in the justice system. These programs combine judicial oversight with treatment, supervision, and recovery support services with the goal of improving outcomes and enhancing public safety. Participants attend regular court sessions, engage in treatment, and receive individualized support designed to promote long-term recovery.
"This new court represents an important step in expanding access to treatment and recovery services in Aroostook County," said Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill. It is the result of ongoing collaboration among the Judicial Branch, our state partners, and the Legislature's commitment to supporting effective responses to substance use disorders. We now have TRCs in all 16 Maine counties.
Referral Process
Referrals to the Aroostook County Adult Drug Treatment & Recovery Court may be submitted to the court clerk beginning June 1, 2026. The Treatment Court Referral Form (CR-234) is available on the Forms page of the Judicial Branch website here: https://mjbportal.courts.maine.gov/CourtForms/FormsLists/Index
Referrals may be submitted by attorneys, probation officers, law enforcement, treatment providers, family members, or other interested parties for individuals who are suspected of having a serious substance use disorder and who may be unlikely to succeed under traditional forms of supervision. Referrals may be submitted for individuals with cases pending in any court within Aroostook County, regardless of the specific courthouse location.
Collaborative Team Approach
The Aroostook County TRC will operate through a multidisciplinary team that includes judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, probation officers, treatment providers, and other community partners. This collaborative approach supports informed decision-making and coordinated services for participants.
About Maine Treatment & Recovery Courts
Maine Treatment & Recovery Courts are specialized dockets within the Judicial Branch that provide structured, evidence-based responses to substance use and co-occurring disorders. These programs combine judicial oversight with treatment, supervision, and recovery support services to improve participant outcomes, promote long-term recovery, and enhance public safety. Participants are closely monitored through regular court appearances, drug testing, and individualized treatment plans, supported by a multidisciplinary team. Treatment courts are structured to promote equitable access to services across judicial regions, including countywide models such as the Aroostook County Adult Drug Treatment & Recovery Court.
Maine operates multiple Treatment & Recovery Courts across the state, including Adult Drug Treatment Courts, Family Treatment Courts, Co-Occurring Disorders Courts, and Veterans Treatment Courts. The Aroostook County Adult Drug Treatment & Recovery Court is part of this statewide system, which continues to expand access to recovery-oriented interventions across judicial regions. For more information, visit: https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/treatment