Compulsory Drug Treatment Program

Today, I want to discuss my personal views and issues I have with the current Drug Offenders Program in NSW (Compulsory Drug Treatment Program- CDTP).  Just to provide some context first, this is a "punishment" (sentence) given out to drug offenders in NSW instead of going to jail. It is compulsory for those ordered to go, and acts as a rehabilitation centre/program to treat those with drug dependency and works to ultimately deter/abolish drug crime in NSW. Although this sounds promising, and a great initiative for not only the offenders, but also the community, it is grossly restricted in terms of its availability.

In NSW, the only operating facility (shown above) can detain a mere 70 MALE offenders. That is so heavily low and unequal. What about female offenders? I think that, if anything, it should be 35 males/35 females. Furthermore, it is vital that increased funds are pumped into this program as it clearly is an effective policy in place to rehabilitate those who need it most. Therefore, expanding the capacity of the program, to enable the participation of female offenders will enable greater rehabilitation of offenders; especially those most at risk. This is a necessity! and needs to be enacted; in the name of equality and justice for all. Obviously there is an inherent need for equality in the criminal justice system, in terms of equal access to the law and rehabilitation programs.  Thus, greater volumes of participants (of both genders) will reduce the number of people in conventional custody who would better benefit in a drug-specific program and environment which harnesses rehabilitation.

Therefore, I believe that it is essential to reform this policy; and expand this program to benefit more and more drug offenders. Obviously I believe this a no brainer, with the obvious issue being where the funding will come from to maintain, support and staff the rehabilitation of more participants. However, I still think that this is a vital and important initiative that needs to be available for all (depending on the discretion of Judges during the sentencing procedure).


Reference for Text:
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/la/latabdoc.nsf/09874fcb6bf62d7bca25739c0023e509/0d137e6aa349c993ca257c130024f6b1/$FILE/Review%20pursuant%20to%20Crimes%20(Administration%20of%20Sentences)%20Act.pdf

Reference for Images:
http://www.foreignprisoners.com/img-loc/parklea_correctional_centre.jpg
http://www.mentalhealthy.co.uk/sites/default/files/Drug%20Rehab.jpg