December 11, 2019
Drug court permanent in justice system reset
Less offending, less reoffending, and better support for victims of crime are some of the outcomes the Government wants to see from a new approach to criminal justice.
Justice Minister Andrew Little today released two reports recommending major change – Turuki! Turuki! from Te Uepū Hāpai I te Ora, and Te Tangi o te Manawanui from the Chief Victims Advisor.
He says the old ways have failed, with too little rehabilitation leading to more crime, while not enough is done to support victims.
30 years of locking more people up for longer has not changed re-offending rates nor made communities safer.
Mr Little says he is committed to working with Māori on decision-making to improve outcomes across the justice system.
The pilot Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment courts in Auckland and Waitakere are to be made permanent immediately, and there is immediate funding for a new court in Hamilton. Within two years, AODT Court.
Participants in the courts are 23 percent less likely to reoffend for any offence within two years, 35percent less likely to reoffend for a serious offence, and 25 percent less likely to be imprisoned because of their reoffending.
Other therapeutic and specialist courts will be rolled out over time.
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