A promising development

Kate Chapman reports at Stuff:

Offenders with serious drug and alcohol problems could get a chance to go to rehab instead of jail if a new drug court pilot goes ahead.

The Law Commission recommended the establishment of a drug court pilot that would see sentencing delayed while offenders underwent rehabilitation and detoxification treatment.

A spokesman for Justice Minister Simon Power said the Justice Ministry was working with other government agencies, including the Health Ministry, and would report back on the cost effectiveness and funding availability for the programme.

“The Minister thinks the idea of drug courts is a really interesting idea,” he said.

If the pilot court goes ahead it is likely to be housed at the Waitakere District Court.

This is a promising development. I don’t think the status quo is working that well. Rehabilitation and treatment is preferable to criminal sanctions.