Court referral and evaluation for drug intervention and treatment (CREDIT) and bail support (CBS)

• Reach:

  VIC

• Focus area:

  Mainstream

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

The Court referral and evaluation for drug intervention and treatment (CREDIT) and bail support (CBS) program resulted from the merge of two court programs. In 2004 the Magistrates' Court of Victoria combined the CREDIT and the Bail support program into one program.

The CBS program aims to:

• provide access to accommodation, welfare, legal and other community-based supports
• monitor and support clients for three to four months
• minimise harm to the client and the community by addressing the client's issues related to substance use
• provide early treatment and access to drug treatment and rehabilitation programs
• reduce risk of the client re-offending.

Clients may be eligible for CBS if they:

• have substance use problems
• have an intellectual or physical disability
• require social support
• have a mental illness or mental disorder.

Clients may be provided with a range of services while on bail, including:

• assessment; treatment and support plan; support and monitoring while on bail and follow up (up to four months)
• case management; court reports; brokered treatment through Community offenders advice and treatment service (COATS) for services including detox, rehabilitation programs, and substance use counselling
• referral to short term crisis accommodation
• passport photos for identification and medical purposes
• referral to pharmacotherapies
• referral to outreach services for clients requiring intensive support
• referral to employment programs for training and employment assistance
• travel cards, food vouchers and access to material aid.

Abstract adapted from the Magistrates' Court of Victoria

Contacts

CREDIT Bail Support Program
Regional Team Leader
Melbourne Magistrates' Court
Level 4, 233 William Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
GPO Box 882G
Melbourne Vic 3001
Ph: (03) 9628 7975
Ph: (03) 9628 7936
Fax: (03) 9628 7976

Related publications

CREDIT Bail Support Program (2012)

Magistrates Court of Victoria

This resource package includes a brochure and a referral form for the CREDIT and bail support program in Victoria. The brochure includes information on:

• objectives of the program
  
• outcomes of the program
  
• who is eligible
• what services are included
• accommodation
  
• community support agencies
• locations where the program is provided, along with relevant contact details.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

• Links
• View resource: CREDIT Bail Support Program [brochure] (PDF - 32.0 KB)
• View resource: CREDIT/Bail Support Program referral application [form] (PDF - 32.0 KB)
• View resource: CREDIT/Bail Support Program referral application [form] (Word - 40.0 KB)
• View information: CREDIT Bail Support Program
• View information: CREDIT/Bail Support Program referral application
• View website: Magistrates Court of Victoria

Links

• View information: Community offender advice and treatment service (COATS)
• View information: CREDIT bail support program
• View information: Forensic treatment for offenders - Court referral and evaluation for drug intervention and treatment (CREDIT)
• View website: Magistrates' Court of Victoria
• View website: Victorian Department of Health