Evaluation of the Drug Diversion Pilot Program

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A Report prepared for the Drugs and Health Protection Services Branch, Public Health Division, Department of Human Services

Introduction

In June 1998, Victoria Police developed a proposal to extend the Cannabis Cautioning Program initiated in the previous year. The earlier program had proved successful in its initial stages and is now implemented across the State.

The proposed extension was a similar cautioning program for users of other illicit drugs. It was designed for adult and juvenile offenders. A central feature of the program was to ensure people apprehended by the police would be linked with government-funded drug treatment services. The program was therefore a joint initiative of Victoria Police and the Department of Human Services.

Contents

• Acknowledgements
  
  
• Executive summary
  
  
• Introduction
  
  
• Evaluation method
  
  
• Context of the drug diversion pilot program
  
  
• Criminality to a health issue: The changing public policy
  • Surrounding the use of illicit drugs
  • Diversion programs
  • Local responses
    
    
• The program
  
  
• The police perspective
  • The agency perspective
  • The client perspective
  • Summary of the program in action
    
    
• Profile and tracking of clients
  
  
• Clients aged 21 years and under
  • Following up clients: Some preliminary data
    
    
• Statewide expansion of the program
  
  
• Conclusion

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