Rural alcohol diversion (RAD) program

• Reach:

  NSW

• Focus area:

  Not specified

• Status:

  Completed

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

The Rural alcohol diversion (RAD) program operated at Orange and Bathurst Local Courts in New South Wales (NSW) from 2004-2009.

The RAD program was closely based on the Magistrates early referral into treatment (MERIT) program. The key difference between the programs was that defendants whose primary substance of concern was alcohol were accepted into RAD, whereas to be eligible for MERIT, defendants had to have a demonstrable illicit drug problem.

On 1 July 2009, the RAD program formally merged with MERIT such that defendants at Orange and Bathurst Local Courts are eligible for the MERIT program whether their primary substance of concern is alcohol or an illicit drug.

Abstract adapted from LawLink NSW

Contacts

Magistrates early referral into treatment (MERIT) program
North Coast Area Health Service
New South Wales Department of Health
Crawford House
Hunter Street
Locked Mail Bag 11
Lismore NSW 2480
Ph: (02) 6620 2100
Fax: (02) 6621 7088

Links

• View information: Magistrates early referral into treatment (MERIT) program
• View information: Rural alcohol diversion program
• View media release: Alcohol-crime diversion pilot program expands to Bathurst