26
February 2008
MURRAY
BRIDGE TO GET COURT DIVERSION PROGRAM
A
court diversion program for people suffering from mental illness and other forms
of mental impairment is to be established in Murray Bridge following its
successful introduction in Adelaide and other country centres.
The
program, which diverts people charged with minor or summary offences from the
court system into treatment programs, has resulted in significant reductions in
re-offending.
Research
shows that following compliance with the program, 66.2 per cent of participants
did not reoffend within 12 months.
The
program was first established in 1999 and since that time approximately 1,600
people have been diverted.
It
is open to people charged with minor and/or summary offences and who do not
dispute the objective facts of the offence.
To
be eligible, participants must be diagnosed with a mental illness such as
Schizophrenia or Depression or suffering from an intellectual disability,
neurological disorder, severe personality disorder, or brain injury.
Participation
is voluntary but individuals are expected to engage with services and
demonstrate compliance with the program, which lasts for six months.
The
program’s objective is to reduce future offending and to divert individuals
with unresolved mental health or impairment problems from the criminal justice
system into appropriate health and other services.
The
referral system is flexible and lawyers, family, individuals, police and
community groups can refer clients but the decision to put someone into the
program rests with a Magistrate.
Outcomes
expected are access to early assessment and intervention; facilitation and
establishment of long-term treatment and support; reduction of offending
behaviour; improved mental state and functioning and better management of
individuals with mental health needs within the criminal justice system.
The
Court Diversion program will commence in Murray Bridge on February 28, 2008 and
court hearings will thereafter be on a two monthly basis.
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