DRUG COURT TRIAL RECEIVES THUMBS UP

The New South Wales Drug Court trial has received the thumbs up in a new
survey.

The concept of a specialised drug court was initiated by the state
government as a means of diverting drug using offenders from the
traditional criminal justice system.

Research by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has found that
offenders are in much better health and more socially capable four months
after entering the program.

The study also found a dramatic fall in the level of weekly spending by
Drug Court participants, suggesting a significant reduction in illegal drug
use.

Bureau director Don Weatherburn says the findings are extremely
encouraging, despite a high rate of termination from the program.

Mr Weatherburn says it's important to remember that Drug Court participants
generally have heroin habits and criminal records, and it is unrealistic to
expect them to suddenly turn into law-abiding and healthy citizens.