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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.
Jessica Penny
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.
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.
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.
“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.
