Magistrates' Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT): preliminary findings of a 12-month court diversion trial for drug offenders

The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Pilot Program: Court Outcomes and Recidivism

Diversion programs for drug offenders have proliferated in the last decade in the belief that treatment of underlying drug use will decrease an individual's criminal activity. The NSW Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program diverts adult offenders with significant drug problems, on bail, from the court to a 3-month intensive drug treatment program. This article reports on the criminal justice outcomes of the Lismore MERIT Pilot Program. Findings indicate that participants who completed the program were significantly less likely to reoffend, took longer to reoffend and received less severe sentences than those who did not complete the program. The reduction in reoffending is significantly associated with program completion even when other factors associated with recidivism are controlled for, including previous incarceration. Overall these findings contribute to the growing literature indicating that providing treatment for offenders with illicit drug problems can be an effective crime reduction strategy.

The Adverse Effects of Motherhood on Substance Use Treatment Program Outcomes Among Adolescent Women

OBJECTIVES

Adolescent mothers have differing risks and responsibilities compared to adolescent women without children that may impact substance use treatment. This study sought to describe characteristics of adolescent women in a substance use treatment program and determine the effect of adolescent motherhood on treatment program outcomes.

METHODS

Data were collected from standardized interviews of female adolescents in a case management criminal justice diversion program for substance-using adolescents and adults. Variables included sociodemographic factors (ie, race/ethnicity, age, financial support, education, insurance, marital status, sexual abuse), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV) substance use disorder diagnoses, and motherhood (ie, childbirth and residence with a child). Treatment program outcome was documented by case workers at the end of the participants' time in the program. Chi-square analyses and analysis of variances determined associations between variables. Logistic regression was used to assess characteristics associated with negative treatment program outcome.

RESULTS

Data from 1080 adolescent women aged 16-21 years (mean 19.7 years, SD = 1.16) were analyzed; 403 (37%) were mothers. After controlling for sociodemographic factors and substance use disorder diagnoses, adolescent mothers were less likely to successfully complete the treatment program than nonmothers. Adolescent women with reliance on family or friends for financial support, lower education status, and cannabis and cocaine use disorders had worse treatment program outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Childbirth and parenting adversely affect substance use treatment outcomes for adolescent women in the criminal justice system. Future research should explore tailored substance use treatments for adolescents with children. Job training and educational support may improve outcomes.

Factors affecting criminal recidivism among participants in the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program in New South Wales, Australia

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program is a diversionary program for people with substance use (primarily illicit drug) problems, based in New South Wales, Australia. The aim of this study was to assess factors relevant to recidivism among MERIT participants.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A longitudinal study utilising administrative data was conducted. MERIT participants entering the program after 1 August 2004 and with a finalisation date of prior to 31 December 2005 were included in the study. Recidivism records for this cohort were obtained for the period 1 August 2004 and 31 December 2007 and linked to MERIT administrative data. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to identify predictors of recidivism.

RESULTS

A total of 1160 MERIT participants were included in the analysis. Compared to non-completers, completion of the MERIT program was associated with a 30% reduction in risk of recidivism. Factors associated with increased risk of recidivism following MERIT included principal drug other than cannabis and higher number of prior convictions. Discussion and Conclusions. Although the design of this study does not permit causal conclusions, these results suggest the MERIT program may be associated with reduced criminal offending. The identification of factors associated with increased risk of recidivism may be helpful in identifying participants in need of higher intensity interventions.[Larney S, Martire KA. Factors affecting criminal recidivism among participants in the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program in New South Wales, Australia.

The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Pilot Program: a descriptive analysis of a court diversion program in rural Australia

There has been a rapid expansion of drugs courts and diversion programs in Western countries, with the aim of diverting drug offenders into treatment. This study presents data from a rural pre-plea court-based diversion into treatment program for adult defendants appearing at a Local (Magistrate's) Court who have significant illicit drug problems. Unusual features include the intended duration of treatment (three months), and the emphasis on specialised caseworkers, who provide case management services, intensive individual counseling and group therapy sessions, and attend court, providing detailed legal reports. In the first two years, 238 participants were recruited to 266 program episodes. The participants were mostly recidivist offenders, with 61% having been previously imprisoned, and 85% having at least one prior conviction. Half the participants completed the program. Characteristics significantly associated with program completion were principal drug of concern (heroin/amphetamines vs. cannabis/other, OR = 0.4 [95% CI: 0.2, 0.7]), Aboriginality (Aboriginal vs. not, OR = 0.4 [95% CI: 0.2, 0.9]) and accommodation (privately owned vs. other, OR = 2.5 [95% CI: 1.3, 4.7]). Participants identified the caseworker support as the most important element of the program. We conclude that the program was successfully implemented, and that adequately supported skilled caseworkers were critical to its success.