Remote residents in the far west of NSW can now take part in the voluntary pre-plea alcohol and drug treatment program via telehealth.
Virtual care technology will give residents in the Far West LHD in NSW better access to the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program.
MERIT is a voluntary pre-plea local court diversion program that provides access to a range of alcohol and other drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned.
The virtual program is in the initial implementation stage for people attending Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Wentworth local courts.
The virtual care technology adds an important new care option, helping to meet the unique needs of remote and rural communities in Far West NSW by increasing the reach and flexibility of service delivery.
The technology will support these communities with greater access to drug and alcohol treatment programs to ensure individuals receive support tailored to their needs.
“Since starting in 2000, MERIT has helped over 27,000 people in NSW, supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce contact with the criminal justice system,” said Barwon MP, Roy Butler.
“I am pleased the program is now more accessible to people in Far West NSW as a result of this technology.”
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MERIT provides access to a wide range of alcohol and other drug treatment services, such as care co-ordination, psychosocial support and individual counselling. It can also assist with referrals to addiction medicine specialists and NSW residential rehabilitation services.
The program has been shown to have positive outcomes for participants. Some of these benefits include decreased drug use and associated harms, decreased offending behaviour, improved health and wellbeing and the possibility of a better sentencing outcome.
In Far West NSW, referrals to the MERIT team can be made by calling the Broken Hill Mental Health Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre on (08) 8080 1142 and through several sources, including magistrates, legal representatives, NSW Police, service providers working with the defendant or the defendant themselves.
MERIT is an inter-agency initiative of the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and the NSW Police Force.
The expansion of the MERIT program is part of the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.
“Programs like this can be life changing for an individual as it can direct them out of custody and into health programs tailored to their needs, supporting them to get back on track,” said NSW health minister Ryan Park.