NCJ Number
209871
Date Published
2003
Length
168 pages
Annotation
With information compiled in 2002, this report provides a comprehensive overview of the diversion of aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth from the criminal justice system.
Abstract
The Australian National Council on Drugs commissioned for a study on the diversion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth from the criminal justice system. This report presents the results of this study with data presented current as of December 31, 2001. Data for the report was gathered from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Institute of Criminology, State/Territory and Commonwealth Justice, police, corrective services, family and health departments, as well as other existing studies and reports. The report is divided into four parts. In part 1, a literature review is conducted on the issues of indigenous people in Australia, the juvenile justice system, offending by indigenous youth, drug use among indigenous adolescents, aetiology of psychoactive substance use disorders and offending behavior, aetiology of substance use problems among indigenous youth, diversion from the criminal justice system, diversion issues, diversion of indigenous youth from the criminal justice system, bail and remand, sentencing indigenous offenders, treatment for psychoactive substance use disorders (PSUD), PSUD treatment in the juvenile justice system, PSUD treatment for indigenous people, and interventions for reducing recidivism. Part 2 provides detailed national data/information on indigenous youth in juvenile detention centers. Part 3 reports on the programs and services, and diversion activity in each jurisdiction, as well as evaluative comments on the strengths and weaknesses of current programs and services. Lastly, part 4 presents six recommendations for future diversion and treatment services for aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Tables, references, and appendixes 1-2