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Youth Alcohol and Drug Diversion Programs
Youth Alcohol Diversion Program
ACT Policing’s Youth Alcohol Diversion Program provides intervention and education to young people who engage in underage drinking.
The program collects data on young people and their alcohol consumption, with a view to reducing harm, binge drinking and associated social and health problems in the community. It also provides incentives for Alcohol offenders to access additional services they may require for their health.
Young offenders who have no prior involvement with the courts will benefit most from the program, with an opportunity of being referred to an education session and other treatment options.
The program is a partnership between ACT Policing and The ACT Health Directorate and aligns with the Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-22 and the National Drug Strategy.
How it works
When a young person is detected committing an offence such as possession consuming, or are significantly intoxicated; or where an offence has a significant alcohol factor, police will contact the parents or guardians of the child/young person at the time of the incident (where possible) and take appropriate duty of care actions.
If ACT Policing decide the offender is eligible for the program, they are referred to the Assessment and Coordination Team (part of the Alcohol and Drug Program, ACT Health) who conduct an assessment for treatment and/or education.
The offender may then be referred to a treatment agency and their progress monitored. ACT Policing receives regular reports of compliance or non-compliance from ACT Health Directorate on the offender.
General criteria
To be eligible to participate in the program, offenders must have committed an offence under the ACT Liquor Act 2010.
They must admit to the offence and consent to the diversion. Parents/guardians must also consent to the diversion.
The diversion will not be available where a violent crime has been committed. When considering diversion as an option, police will also consider public interest, the interests of the individual involved, and the interests of his/her immediate family.
Illicit Drug Diversion Program
ACT Police Illicit Drug Diversion Program provides intervention and education to people who engage in drug taking.
The program collects data on people and their drug taking consumption, with a view to reducing harm, associated social and health problems in the community. It also provides incentives for Drug offenders to access additional services they may require for their health.
People with no prior involvement with the courts will benefit most from the program, with an opportunity of being referred to an education session and other treatment options.
The programs are a partnership between ACT Policing and The ACT Health Directorate and align with the Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-22 and the National Drug Strategy.
Further assistance
More information is available on ACT Health's Alcohol and Drug Services page.
There is also a 24 Hour Helpline available: 02 5124 9977.
This helpline is staffed by professional workers and provides:
- information on alcohol and other drug and associated issues;
- advice on assisting and managing people who may have alcohol and other drug issues; and
- support to people affected directly or indirectly by alcohol and drug use.