Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program

The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program is a worthwhile program that offers defendants with substance abuse problems the opportunity go through rehabilitation as part of the Court process.

The Magistrate, Solicitor, Police or the defendant may request a MERIT Program suitability assessment be considered. If the defendant is accepted into MERIT, it may become a bail condition. 

The end of the Court process generally coincides with the completion of the MERIT Program and may then be considered by the Magistrate as part of the defendant's sentencing.

The Daily Advertiser discusses the benefits of the MERIT Program and the reduction in the associated risk of reconviction for a further offence in this article: Wagga former ice addict has pleaded for a focus on medical treatment of drug users.