Drug program offered at Woy Woy court

A program that aims to reduce drug-related crime and re-offending will be offered at Woy Woy Local Court for non violent offenders who have a drug problem.

The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program offers drug treatment prior to sentencing, as a voluntary option for people coming before the courts.

The program was announced by Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews and Attorney General Mr John Hatzistergos at Woy Woy on May 4.

"MERIT will be available at Woy Woy Local Court for non-violent defendants who have a drug problem, are suitable for release into the community on bail and are motivated to engage in treatment and rehabilitation," Ms Andrews said.

"By addressing their drug problem, the program is also addressing what is often the primary motivation behind their offending behaviour.

"The program makes use of a comprehensive range of health and welfare services, detoxification, treatment and rehabilitation.

"Participants are closely case-managed and the magistrate receives regular reports on their progress."

The program is now available at 64 courts across NSW and has operated successfully at Gosford Local Court since 2002 and at Wyong since 2003, according to Ms Andrews.

Ms Andrews said more than 500 defendants at the two courts on the Central Coast had successfully completed the three-month intensive treatment program.

Press release, 4 May 2010 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford