Goodbye job applications, hello dream career
Seize control of your career and design the future you deserve with LW career
GET STARTED

ACT Drug and Alcohol Court gives offenders a 2nd chance in the community

An evaluation from the Australian National University says that the ACT is finding success in its Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List (DASL) program.

user iconJessica Penny • 22 August 2022 • The Bar
ACT Drug and Alcohol Court gives offenders a 2nd chance in the community
expand image

The report found that around $14 million has been saved from fewer offenders earning prison time. The ACT government hopes to continue developments toward a more holistic and preventative approach to addressing substance abuse. 

You’re out of free articles for this month

Since its commencement in December 2019, there have been 106 people referred to them for a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order, with 56 being imposed by the court.

Participants in the program commonly have dealt with early-age substance abuse, with the DASL reported to be actively decreasing the chance of repeat offences.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Participants who fully complete the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order have been found to commit zero reoffences during their follow-up period, allowing them to re-enter the community.

“The Drug and Alcohol Court is an excellent example of building communities instead of prisons and getting better results for everyone,” said Shane Rattenbury, Attorney-General of the ACT.

“The evaluation shows that this court is having a positive impact on the lives, relationships and health of participants; reducing reoffending and keeping the community safe; as well as saving money for the community.”

The independent evaluation found that a number of outcomes were improved as a result of the Drug and Alcohol Court’s measures. These include:

  • Psychological health;
  • Physical health;
  • Quality of life;
  • Relationships;
  • Employment; and
  • Emotional maturity.
“This specialist program is rehabilitating offenders whilst holding them accountable for their actions, which ultimately leads to a safer community for all,” said Mr Rattenbury.

“The fact that we are fully utilising the court program’s capacity shows how successful it has been in its first two years, so it is important that the ACT continues to fund this transformational program.”

The evaluation will continue to aid the ACT Drug and Alcohol Court with the next steps for moving forward with the DASL and will inform potential future expansions of the program.

You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!

Tags