Changes in Attitudes to Drug Diversion Initiatives

Transcription

1 Changes in Attitudes to Drug Diversion Initiatives Australasian Drug and Alcohol Strategy Conference Wellington NZ 3 May 2017 Senior Sergeant Tim Pfitzner Drug and Alcohol Policy Coordinator

2 Outline Background Case studies: Program development Process adjustments External views Learning: Attitude, from changes

3 Acknowledgements SA Police Local Service Areas Drug and Alcohol Services SA (DASSA) SA Office of Crime Statistics and Research (OCSAR) Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) Australian Government Department of Health

4 Diversion 101 Purpose: Out of [criminal justice] system minimise harmful impacts Into a [therapeutic] program self-help opportunity Justice diversion process targets: Pre-arrest Pre-trial Pre-sentence` Post-conviction / sentence Pre-release Incident Arrest Charge Court Conviction Sentence Release

5 Background 1997 Australian Government Tough on Drugs 1999 Council of Australian Governments agrees to early intervention 2000 Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative: Nationally consistent State & Territory drug diversion for individuals: Little or no criminal justice system contact (drug offences) Apprehended for illicit drug use or possession (small quantities) Health-based education/assessment in lieu of criminalisation Commonwealth funding

6 New Paradigm Provide... opportunity of early incentives to address their drug use problem before incurring criminal record Increase number of illicit drug users diverted to drug education, assessment and treatment Reduce number of people appearing before Courts for use or possession of small quantities of illicit drugs Reduce crime and harm within community by addressing underlying drug dependence problems of drug offenders COAG Illicit Drug Diversion National Framework objectives (November 1999)

7 Background c.1997 Tough on Drugs 1999 Council of Australian Governments agree on early intervention 2000 Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative: Nationally consistent State & Territory drug diversion for individuals: Little or no criminal justice system contact (drug offences) Apprehended for illicit drug use or possession (small quantities) Health-based education/assessment in lieu of criminal conviction Commonwealth government funding

8 a. Tough on Drugs national supply reduction focus. b. National Drug Strategy evidencebased harm minimisation policy & strategy balances Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative #1 Early intervention diversion focus balancing supply focus with demand & harm reduction COAG-led policy-based evidence for demand reduction & harm reduction strategies

9 South Australian Initiatives 1974 ongoing: Young Offenders Diversionary Framework 1987 ongoing: Cannabis Expiation Notices : Drug Assessment & Aid Panels 2000 ongoing: Drug Court : Youth Alcohol Referral Network trial : Early Intervention Pilot Program project Since 2001: Police Drug Diversion Initiative

10 Development Implementation PDDI development challenges: New level of Health Police collaboration Attorney-General s project support Legalities, clinical practice and information sharing Role and function delineation / redefinition Cabinet interest, impetus for alignment Arrangements adopted for alcohol diversion projects

11 Police Drug Diversion Initiative #2 c. Police prosecute drug offenders Police refer drug users to AOD services d. AOD treatment success for engaged clients. Diverted drug use offenders education & assessment for potential AOD treatment e. Formal youth justice framework diversionary processes Early young drug user referrals to AOD service education & assessment

12 #3 Youth alcohol offence diversions f. Police informal caution for minor offending & tip-out alcohol. g. Multi-agency developed diversion to AOD service arrangements Formal diversion, records requirement Jurisdiction-wide arrangements shared for regional initiative

13 Key issue evaluations IDDI State Reference Group key stakeholder representatives, ongoing oversight of SA implementation Office of Crime Statistics and Research evaluations: PDDI implementation, processes, outcomes ( ) Interim reports - preliminary findings Final published report PDDI ten year compliance & throughput (2012) PDDI undertakings, quantitative analysis (current)

14 Evaluation Feedback Operational police qualitative input: Lack proficiency, experience for drug education role Support referrals, diversion to AOD education / assessment SRG interim evaluation report response (2003): Working group review, consult, identify options Crown advice on legislative issues relating to options Stakeholder representatives support for revision Ease of implementation for stakeholder agencies

15 Process Issues Collaborating stakeholders internal needs focus: Differences regarding: Program priorities, urgency for action Negotiation engagement level Workforce, financial resourcing Engagement experience inter-sector / intra-government Understanding partners business issues Judgement for timing of action Knowledge of own agency, capabilities, priorities, workforce, structures, systems, practices, key contacts, etc

16 #4 Process adjustments h. Apprehension site police delivery of alcohol education material. Police refer / divert young alcoholrelated offenders to AOD service assessment & education i. Police patrol resource libraries Therapeutic diversion accepted as normal police role / function

17 External challenges Private MP s amendment Bills: Arbitrary limitation of diversion opportunities No chances for better choices at later life stages Coronial Inquest Findings: Legislative interpretation queries basis of youths PDDI process Recurrent debate over 15 year drug diversion program period

18 #5 External views j. Reliance on Crown advice for original youth process basis for program development. Review for current stakeholder agency satisfaction & community clarity k. Defence of external challenges to longstanding community harm minimisation program Review of program operations & administration

19 Attitude, from changes Utilise, to gain appropriate outcomes from political opportunities, negotiation, for mutually appropriate outcomes, to maximise outcome achievement with minimal funding, with sound logic, for successful argument outcomes, to clarification and correction for program enhancement

20 Fin Drug and Alcohol Policy Unit South Australia Police GPO Box 1539 ADELAIDE SA