The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) Program is a voluntary program for people who have matters at participating Local Courts. The program targets people with a drug problem who are eligible and suitable for release on bail and who are motivated to engage in treatment and rehabilitation.

MERIT is a 12 week program. We can help you to:

• Reduce or stop drug use
• Improve your health
• Break the cycle between drug use and crime

What can I expect?

Participants are closely case-managed by the MERIT team throughout treatment and the Magistrate receives regular reports on their progress The final hearing and sentence generally coincide with the completion of the MERIT Program. Magistrates are then able to consider the participant's progress in treatment as part of final sentencing.

Eligibility

Participants must meet the following conditions:

• be suitable for release on bail or not require bail consideration
• be an adult with drug dependency or an alcohol problem
• not be involved in offences related to significant violence or sexual assault, or matters that will be heard in the District Court
• be suitable for treatment and have a treatable problem
• be approved to participate by a Magistrate.

Services provided 

Treatment options available include:

• Detoxification
• Methadone and other pharamacotherapies
• Residential rehabilitation
• Individual and group counselling
• Case management and numerous forms of welfare support and assistance

How to access

Participants can be referred to the MERIT Program by:

• a magistrate
• a solicitor
• the police
• themselves

You should discuss the options available to you with your solicitor before making a decision.  A Legal Aid Solicitor may be available to people wanting to participate in the MERIT Program. 

If you or your lawyer require any further information on the MERIT Program, contact us on 1300 652 226.

Illawarra MERIT Program

The Orana Centre
2 Rawson Street,
Wollongong
Phone: 02 4254 2700

Shoalhaven MERIT Program

47 Berry Street
Nowra
Phone: 02 4422 5822

Resources

• Brochure: MERIT Program
• MERIT Program website
• MERIT brochures for non-english speaking backgrounds