Youth Mental Health Diversion at Court: Barriers to Diversion and Impact on Reoffending

Abstract

In a cohort of young people referred to an Australian mental health court diversion service over a 7-year period, 46.5% of those deemed eligible ( n = 523) were granted diversion and the following were identified as barriers to being granted diversion: identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, having substance use problems, prior offending, and no record of prior diversion. Young people granted diversion were significantly less likely to reoffend, even after adjustment for a range of other covariates. This study highlights the need to address barriers to mental health court diversion for young people, particularly in light of the evidence of its effectiveness in reducing risk of reoffending.

Youth custody is no place for mentally ill children and young people

“…In a cohort of young offenders referred to a NSW mental health court diversion service over a 7-year period, 46.5% of those deemed eligible ( n = 523) were granted diversion to community mental health treatment. 30 Young people granted diversion were significantly less likely to reoffend, even after adjustment for a range of other covariates. This effect was evident for both ‘any’ reoffending and for violent reoffending.…”

Let’s build youth treatment centres rather than detention centres

“…A recent study in New South Wales found that diverting youth with non-SUD diagnoses to community-based mental health treatment can significantly decrease reoffending rates. 3 However, identification as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander was linked to lower diversion rates. 3 Previous research shows that youth with complex presentations, such as SUDs, co-occurring non-SUDs, and forensic history, benefited the most and completed the Queensland-only state-wide youth voluntary adolescent drug and alcohol withdrawal service program.…”

“…3 However, identification as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander was linked to lower diversion rates. 3 Previous research shows that youth with complex presentations, such as SUDs, co-occurring non-SUDs, and forensic history, benefited the most and completed the Queensland-only state-wide youth voluntary adolescent drug and alcohol withdrawal service program. 4,5 The multidisciplinary approach of this service and the provision of culturally appropriate trauma-informed care has led to good outcomes for both the individual and their families and the community.…”

“…A recent study in New South Wales found that diverting youth with non-SUD diagnoses to community-based mental health treatment can significantly decrease reoffending rates. 3 However, identification as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander was linked to lower diversion rates. 3 …”

“… 3 However, identification as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander was linked to lower diversion rates. 3 …”