NCJ Number
205809
Date Published
2003
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes Australian diversion programs for drug offenders.
Abstract
Australia’s National Drug Strategic Framework seeks to minimize the harm created by illicit drug abuse. Created in 1998 and up for review in 2003, the Framework emphasizes cooperation between the health and law enforcement sectors to combat Australia’s illicit drug problem. Following a review of the Framework’s principles and key strategies, the process of diversion is described. Diversion is a process in which alternatives to criminal justice sanctions are imposed on offenders to modify their behavior. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative is described, including its development, funding, benefits, and details of its diversion process. The primary objectives of the Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative are to increase incentives for offenders to treat their drug problems; to increase the numbers of offenders diverted into drug education, assessment, and treatment programs; to reduce the numbers of offenders appearing before court for minor drug offenses; and to reduce the harm of illicit drug use to communities. Offenders targeted for inclusion in the drug offender diversion initiative include offenders with little or no previous involvement with the criminal justice system and who have been arrested for use or possession of small quantities of any illicit drug. Offenders are diverted by police into compulsory education programs or into assessment and treatment programs. Many of the diversion strategies employed in Australia are reviewed, including the Cannabis Infringement Notices, the Cannabis Cautioning Scheme, Drug Assessment and Aid Panel, pre-arrest diversions, pre-trial diversions, pre-sentence diversion, and post-sentence diversions. Pre-Trial diversion programs profiled include Victoria’s Court Referral and Evaluation for Drug Evaluation for Drug Intervention and Treatment and New South Wale’s Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment Program. The goals of the education and treatment options available, and even mandatory, under various diversions schemes are enumerated, followed by a review of the data collected for assessment of the clients participating in diversion programs. Finally, a summary of State and Territory drug offender diversion initiatives is offered. Evaluation of the current National Drug Strategic Framework will allow for the continued improvement of the effectiveness of alternative approaches to justice. Future directions include the assurance that all children have the necessary supports to steer them away from drug abuse.