An independent evaluation by KMPG has found the ACT's Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List has improved social and health outcomes for participants and returned an economic benefit for the Territory in recent years.
The review has analysed the program from its inception in 2019 until 2023, to assess the costs and benefits of delivering the Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List. The review can be accessed online.
There was a positive benefit cost ratio in 2022 and 2023 with nearly $10 million per year in avoided costs of custody, reduced recidivism and avoided costs of crime, outstripping the program costs of those years of about $7 million and $8 million respectively.
The program has also improved the following for participants:
- Social and community engagement - improved relationships, family reunification and a reduction in violence;
- Health and wellbeing outcomes - improvements in physical and psychological health and increases to quality of life and stable housing;
- Education and employment - better engagement by participants in education and employment.
Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said the Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List had proven to be an effective way to support community safety and better outcomes for the individual through a therapeutic pathway for people in the justice system with a history of substance use.
"The Drug and Alcohol Sentencing List recognises drug use is a health issue and provides people in the justice system with a response that supports their needs, helps them make safer choices and ultimately have the best rehabilitative journey," the Attorney-General said.
"It can be confronting for people to take personal responsibility for their choices. It is a challenging program to opt into, where people must admit they have done harm and take steps forward to rehabilitation.
"A therapeutic response is an important part to reduce recidivism by 25 per cent by 2025. This report shows that, with benefits increasing year-on-year. It improves outcomes for the individual and the Canberra community by addressing the underlying drivers of offending."
