Recovery Court

Assistant District Attorney Shanna Kim oversees Northampton County’s Recovery Court, a grant-funded non-diversionary program targeting individuals who commit low-level, non-violent offenses and struggle with substance abuse issues. As a team-based initiative, it brings together judges, attorneys, and treatment providers. Participants enter Recovery Court as part of their prosecution, meaning accountability and judicial oversight remain central. Through tailored treatment plans, frequent court appearances, and ongoing mentorship, individuals work toward recovery and personal growth. The programs structured, collaborative nature aims to reduce recidivism, support rehabilitation, and strengthen community well-being.

Program Overview

Track One – Post-Conviction

  • Serves individuals with substance use disorders currently under supervision by the Northampton County Adult Probation and Parole Department.
  • Offers an alternative to incarceration through court-monitored treatment and structured supervision.
  • Focuses on rehabilitation, accountability, and reintegration into the community.

Track Two – TCAP-Eligible Offenders

  • Designed for individuals whose criminal behavior is driven by substance abuse or addiction.
  • Participants receive a State Intermediate Punishment sentence, which may include a period of incarceration.
  • Requires successful completion of:
    1. The Recovery Court program, and
    2. The Targeted Community Alternatives to Prison (TCAP) program.
  • Aims to support long0term recovery and reduce recidivism.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  •  Be 18 years or older and a resident of Northampton County for not less than 90 days;

  • Have a qualifying substance use disorder currently requiring treatment;

  • Have a criminal history is devoid of any disqualifying offense;

  • Been charged with eligible offenses adding up to enough sentencing authority under the Sentencing Guidelines to allow for successful completion of the program (not less than 18 months); and

  • Be competent and willing to engage with treatment and supervision.

Disqualifying Offenses

Applicants are not eligible if current charges or prior record includes:

  • Murder or Manslaughter;
  • Felony sex offenses;
  • Unresolved out-of-county charges;
  • Violent offenses committed with a firearm;
  • Other charges deemed by the Court to present an unreasonable risk to society.

Application Proccess

Interested individuals or their attorneys must complete and submit a Recovery Court Application, available on the Criminal Forms section of the Northampton County Cout of Common Pleas website.

The application includes:

  • Application: Three-page application to be completed, signed and dated.
  •  Recovery Court Rules & Waiver of Rights: Two-page document acknowledging understanding of the program rules and voluntary participation.  
  • Certification of Mental Health Diagnosis & Decision-Making Assessment: Completed by a qualified medical/mental health professional.
  • Authorization for Release of Information: Permitting the Court to access relevant medical records to determine eligibility.

Submission Instructions

Completed packets must be submitted to Administrative Judge Jennifer R. Sletvold via:

  • Hand-delivery to Court Administration, or
  • Electronically to Judicial Secretary Sandra Pascoe at spascoe@norcopa.gov.

The Coordinator will notify legal counsel if the application is accepted and schedule the applicant to appear before the Court for admission.

Note: Every component of the application packet must be fully completed before consideration. Incomplete applications will be returned.