Indigenous diversion program

• Reach:

  WA

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  Yes

Overview

The Indigenous diversion program (IDP) is a culturally secure program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that is available in some regional areas of Western Australia. It works similarly to the Pre-sentence opportunity program (POP) also run by the Drug and Alcohol Office of WA - an early intervention program to assist people who have drug use problems and are attending court - and is coordinated locally by Indigenous Diversion Officers.

Any person who has reason to address the court about the offender's case can recommend the offender be assessed by a Diversion Officer for the program. Referral to the program is at the magistrate's discretion, and if referred, the participant's case will be remanded for eight weeks to allow the offender time to access treatment for their drug use. The Indigenous Diversion Officer coordinates the treatment process, and following treatment, the offender returns to court for sentencing.

Abstract adapted from Drug and Alcohol Office of WA

Contacts

Drug and Alcohol Office of Western Australia
7 Field Street
Mount Lawley WA 6050
PO Box 126
Mount Lawley WA 6150
Ph: (08) 9370 0333
Fax: (08) 9272 6605
Email: dao@health.wa.gov.au

Related publications

Indigenous Diversion Program (2011)

Drug and Alcohol Office WA

This brochure provides information on the Western Australian Indigenous diversion program (IDP). The IDP is a court diversion program that aims to help Indigenous people with their substance use problems by directing them into treatment before sentencing.

Abstract adapted from Drug and Alcohol Office WA

• Links
• View resource: Indigenous Diversion Program [brochure] (PDF - 810.9 KB)
• View information: Diversion programs for Aboriginal people
• View website: Drug and Alcohol Office WA

Indigenous Diversion Program (2011)

Drug and Alcohol Office WA

This poster provides information on the Western Australian Indigenous diversion program (IDP). The IDP is a court diversion program that aims to help Indigenous people with their substance use problems by directing them into treatment before sentencing.

Abstract adapted from Drug and Alcohol Office WA

• Links
• View resource: Indigenous Diversion Program [poster] (PDF - 560.2 KB)
• View information: Diversion programs for Aboriginal people
• View website: Drug and Alcohol Office WA

Evaluated publications

Strategic Edge Consulting (2009)

Indigenous participation in the WA Diversion Project evaluation - barriers and strategies to participation in adult court diversion programs: final report.

Perth, WA: Western Australian Drug and Alcohol Office

• Links
• View report: Indigenous participation in the WA Diversion Project evaluation - barriers and strategies to participation in adult court diversion programs: final report (Word - 1.5 MB)
• View information: Indigenous participation in the WA Diversion Project evaluation - barriers and strategies to participation in adult court diversion programs: final report
• View website: Western Australian Drug and Alcohol Office

Crime Research Centre (2007)

WA Diversion Program – evaluation framework (POP/STIR/IDP): final report and summary report.

Perth: Western Australia Drug and Alcohol Office

• Links
• View report: WA Diversion Program – evaluation framework (POP/STIR/IDP): final report (PDF - 1.1 MB)
• View report: WA Diversion Program – evaluation framework (POP/STIR/IDP): summary report (PDF - 136.0 KB)
• View information: Crime Research Centre evaluations
• View website: Western Australia Drug and Alcohol Office

Hughes C, Ritter A (2008)

A summary of diversion programs for drug and drug-related offenders in Australia.

Sydney: Drug Policy Modelling Program

• Links
• View report: A summary of diversion programs for drug and drug-related offenders in Australia (PDF - 788.0 KB)
• View information: A summary of diversion programs for drug and drug-related offenders in Australia
• View website: Drug Policy Modelling Program

Links

• View information: Indigenous diversion program
• View website: Drug and Alcohol Office of WA