NSW: Drug court likely to continue despite low success rate
SYDNEY, Feb 10 AAP - The NSW government is likely to continue its controversial drugcourt program, despite a success rate of less than 10 per cent.
Latest statistics reveal only 39 of 409 people entering the program to December lastyear had "graduated" to remain drug free for six months and not reoffend.
The Drug Court at Parramatta in Sydney's west was set up as a trial in 1999 and stateCabinet is expected to decide on its future before June, when the trial expires.
"I can't comment on a Cabinet decision but the initial results are encouraging forboth the participants and the community," a spokeswoman for Attorney-General Bob Debussaid.
The program provides rehabilitation and treatment as an alternative to jail for peoplecommitting drug-related crimes.
The spokeswoman said 409 people had been through the diversionary program to December last year.
While just 39 had "graduated" from the program with an ideal outcome, it was a toughrequirement because it meant remaining drug free for six months and not reoffending, shesaid.
At least 74 addicts had met the program's basic requirements, which was to substantiallyreduce their drug use and not reoffend.
"We're talking about hardline addicts here, so that's a tough goal to set them andwe said from the beginning it wasn't an easy option for them and we were aware a lot ofpeople would find it too difficult," the spokeswoman said.
"It's not like the HSC - it's not like (addicts get a) pass or fail mark."
She said there another 20 were expected to "graduate" within the next two months and161 who are currently on the program.
She said Mr Debus saw the results as encouraging, given that many hard-time drug-usershad been willing to change their life and stop the crime cycle.
But opposition Corrective Services Minister Andrew Humpherson said figures showed theprogram had been a disaster.
"The Carr government's Drug Court Program has been a catastrophic failure due primarilyto inadequate resources," he said.
"The substantial improvements promised three years ago have not been realised."
AAP ld/jmd/br
KEYWORD: DRUG COURT
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