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An economic analysis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders: prison vs residential treatment

by National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee

Abstract

This report was commissioned by the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee to:

• identify the patterns and prevalence of Indigenous Australians in the prison system
• outline the impacts and implications of incarceration for Indigenous Australians
• analyse the costs and benefits of addressing Indigenous problematic substance use with treatment, particularly residential rehabilitation, as compared to prison.

A number of sources of information, including a scan of relevant literature and data repositories and consultations with key stakeholders, were used to inform the analysis.

The report highlights the cost and health benefits of diversionary programs and community residential rehabilitation for Indigenous people who have been convicted of non-violent, substance use related offences.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

Links

• View report: An economic analysis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders: prison vs residential treatment (PDF - 1.8 MB)
• View media release: No hard sell needed to rehabilitate, not lock up, indigenous offenders - 4 February 2013
• View website: Australian National Council on Drugs
• View website: National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee