The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Pilot Program: a descriptive analysis of a court diversion...

There has been a rapid expansion of drugs courts and diversion programs in Western countries, with the aim of diverting drug offenders into treatment. This study presents data from a rural pre-plea court-based diversion into treatment program for adult defendants appearing at a Local (Magistrate's) Court who have significant illicit drug problems. Unusual features include the intended duration of treatment (three months), and the emphasis on specialised caseworkers, who provide case management services, intensive individual counseling and group therapy sessions, and attend court, providing detailed legal reports. In the first two years, 238 participants were recruited to 266 program episodes. The participants were mostly recidivist offenders, with 61% having been previously imprisoned, and 85% having at least one prior conviction. Half the participants completed the program. Characteristics significantly associated with program completion were principal drug of concern (heroin/amphetamines vs. cannabis/other, OR = 0.4 [95% CI: 0.2, 0.7]), Aboriginality (Aboriginal vs. not, OR = 0.4 [95% CI: 0.2, 0.9]) and accommodation (privately owned vs. other, OR = 2.5 [95% CI: 1.3, 4.7]). Participants identified the caseworker support as the most important element of the program. We conclude that the program was successfully implemented, and that adequately supported skilled caseworkers were critical to its success.