NCJ Number
173656
Date Published
1996
Length
48 pages
Annotation
Six case studies are presented to demonstrate the nature of drug offender diversion in Australia and to promote informed debate about how the needs of persons involved in drug-related offenses can be met.
Abstract
The William Booth Institute is a full-time residential treatment program that incorporates a medically supervised detoxification facility and a therapeutic community. The Northern Territory Sobering Up Shelter program aims to provide a safe place for drunk persons to sober up as an alternative to police cells. The South Australian Drug Assessment and Aid Panel is a pretrial drug diversion program that deals with a wide range of clients. The Western Australian Court Diversion Service assesses defendants while they are on remand or bail and makes recommendations to the court regarding the suitability of an individual to participate in diversion. Under the Australian Capital Territory Drugs of Dependence Act, magistrates may order drug offenders to be referred for assessment and possibly treatment. Under Victoria's Section 28 orders, magistrates may require drug offenders to undergo compulsory treatment. Common and recurring themes in the six case studies are discussed, and recommendations to improve the effectiveness of drug offender diversion programs are offered.