Recovery Court (RC)

Chester County Recovery Court provides treatment, support and stability to justice involved individuals with a substance use disorder. Recovery Court utilizes a collaborative and problem-solving approach by combining prompt and effective treatment with intensive judicial supervision. There is a flat period of incarceration, followed by a probation sentence with restrictive conditions.  By identifying and targeting participants’ needs, Recovery Court supports individuals with substance use disorders enhances public safety. Additional information can be found in our handbook which is linked below.

Quick Links

Recovery Court Brochure
Recovery Court Handbook (subject to change)
Recovery Court (RIP) Guidelines and Grid

Eligibility

The applicant must reside in Pennsylvania, have a substance use disorder, significant criminal history, or significant charges.  Applicant must fall within Level 3 or 4 of the PA Sentencing Guidelines. (See link above). The applicant must waive their right to a preliminary hearing and any pretrial litigation. The applicant must need long-term, highly structured drug and alcohol treatment and supervision, and they must voluntarily agree to comply with program requirements. 

Please refer to the Recovery Court Brochure (linked above), to review offenses which are ineligible for Recovery Court consideration. 

Application Process

The client, or a person acting on behalf of the client, must make a request for an assessment to the program within 30 days of formal arraignment (See application link above). An assessment will be scheduled and completed with the client by the Adult Probation, Parole and Pretrial Services Department. A drug and alcohol assessment must be completed by the client at a site designated by the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol. The assessor will determine if the applicant meets clinical eligibility. If clinically eligible, the District Attorney’s Office will determine legal eligibility. Provided both eligibility standards are met, the applicant, with advice from their attorney, must voluntarily agree to participate in the program. 

Case Disposition

Recovery Court is generally 2-3 years in length. A Risk/Needs Assessment will be completed as required upon graduation and determine appropriate supervision level for the remainder of sentence.