NCJ Number
232873
Date Published
December 2010
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an overview of the key diversion programs for Indigenous women currently in operation in Australia, with reference to relevant developments in New Zealand and Canada.
Abstract
Five points were proposed at the 2006 Second National Indigenous Justice Forum for diverting Indigenous people from the criminal justice system: (1) prior to first contact with the police, (2) during contact with law enforcement, (3) during court processing, (4) after sentencing, and (5) pre- and post-release. Examples of diversion programs at each of these points are presented, although it is acknowledged that not all of them are designed specifically for Indigenous women. A brief overview of these diversion programs currently in operation in Australia, with references to relevant developments in New Zealand and Canada are available for Indigenous women throughout all stages of the criminal justice system. It is recommended that the programs discussed in this paper be further evaluated to determine their effectiveness. In addition, efforts should be made to continue to fund and promote promising initiatives to minimize Indigenous women's involvement in the criminal justice system. Tables and references