Community Health's Diversion Services section provides programs that aim to divert people apprehended for drug use or drug related offences from the judicial system into the health system.
To access this service, contact the 24 Hour Helpline (02) 6207 9977.
In this section:
Police Early Diversion
The police early diversion program provides for those who have been apprehended by the Police for possession of a small amount of illicit drugs (or licit drugs used illicitly). Rather than charge the client, Police can divert them to the health sector.
The client is referred to the Alcohol & Drug Program Diversion Service for assessment, and then referred to an approved ACT agency for treatment (education, counselling, withdrawal, pharmacotherapy, or residential rehabilitation). Compliance is determined by the Diversion Service staff. Non-compliance is reported back to the AFP, and the AFP determine what action should be taken (if any).
Court Alcohol and Drug Assessment Service (CADAS)
CADAS is a pre-sentencing treatment option for clients charged with alcohol and other drug (AOD) related offences. The goals are to reduce recidivism during the bail period, and to engage the client in treatment. It is therefore designed as an immediate, short-term intervention, when a client first appears before the Court.
The CADAS clinician is located at the Court, and provides an immediate AOD assessment, and recommends an appropriate treatment plan. If the client is released on bail to comply with the treatment plan, the CADAS clinician monitors attendance, and reports all outcomes to the Court. Non-compliance does not necessarily result in a penalty, but is taken into account by the Magistrate at sentencing.
Treatment Referral Program
This is a post sentencing option, for clients who have either committed a crime to get drugs, or money for drugs, or while under the influence of drugs. It currently applies only to those drugs which appear in Schedule 4 of the Drugs of Dependence Act (1989) i.e. not alcohol.
The magistrate or judge may, as part of the sentence imposed, instruct a client to undergo a treatment order rather than receive a custodial sentence or as an option to reduce their custodial time. The treatment is overseen by a Treatment Assessment Panel, and conducted by an approved treatment agency. The treatment can be for a period of 6 months up to 2 years. Clients who fail to complete their treatment order, may revert to a custodial sentence.
Who can use these services?
Clients who are either apprehended or charged with an alcohol and/or drug related offence.
Service access
Clients can access these services in the following manner:
- Police Early Diversion Clients are referred by Australian Federal Police
- CADAS Clients are referred by the Magistrate only, but anyone (self, lawyers, police) can ask the Magistrate to refer them.
- Treatment Referral Program (TRP) Clients are referred by the Magistrate or Judge.
Cost
This is a free service.
Contact us
Contact the 24 Hour Helpline (02) 6207 9977 .
