Note
The research on which this report is based was funded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, an initiative of the National Drug Strategy.
Authors affiliated with: Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales; Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University; Turning Point, Eastern Health; School of Allied Health, La Trobe University.
Summary
This research examines the interactions between vulnerable young people and police, pathways in the
service system and systemic issues that may exacerbate involvement in the justice system or function as
barriers to treatment.
The study aims to support the development of integrated diversion and treatment pathways for 16 to 21
year olds who offend, are eligible for diversion, and/or require AOD treatment. It focuses on two major cities:
Sydney and Melbourne, and examines the perspectives of AOD professionals and police who work in inner-city
precincts and their clients.
The objectives of this report are to:
• Identify characteristics of young AOD users who offend, and determine the group’s diversion and treatment
needs (by analyzing existing survey data in Victoria and New South Wales).
• Document the challenges that working with young offenders present police, and the effectiveness of current
procedures for diversion and referral to treatment agencies (by using interviews with junior and senior police
and with youth AOD professionals in inner-city Sydney and Melbourne).
• Identify barriers and facilitators to accessing diversion and treatment agencies (by interviewing young clients
of AOD services who have had police contact in Melbourne and Sydney) and explore how these might be
addressed.
The implications in this report are for consideration by policymakers and decision-makers in government,
particularly those determining service allocation and justice processes. They may also contribute to improved
practice by police and service providers, as well as enhancing their collaborative efforts..
Series
Monograph series No. 64 (Commonwealth of Australia, Centre for Social Research in Health, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund)