Document Detail


Factors affecting criminal recidivism among participants in the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program in New South Wales, Australia.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20973855     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program is a diversionary program for people with substance use (primarily illicit drug) problems, based in New South Wales, Australia. The aim of this study was to assess factors relevant to recidivism among MERIT participants.
DESIGN AND METHODS: A longitudinal study utilising administrative data was conducted. MERIT participants entering the program after 1 August 2004 and with a finalisation date of prior to 31 December 2005 were included in the study. Recidivism records for this cohort were obtained for the period 1 August 2004 and 31 December 2007 and linked to MERIT administrative data. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to identify predictors of recidivism.
RESULTS: A total of 1160 MERIT participants were included in the analysis. Compared to non-completers, completion of the MERIT program was associated with a 30% reduction in risk of recidivism. Factors associated with increased risk of recidivism following MERIT included principal drug other than cannabis and higher number of prior convictions. Discussion and Conclusions. Although the design of this study does not permit causal conclusions, these results suggest the MERIT program may be associated with reduced criminal offending. The identification of factors associated with increased risk of recidivism may be helpful in identifying participants in need of higher intensity interventions.[Larney S, Martire KA. Factors affecting criminal recidivism among participants in the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program in New South Wales, Australia.
Authors:
Sarah Larney; Kristy A Martire
Related Documents :
10535235 - Engaging the unmotivated in treatment for alcohol problems: a comparison of three strat...
18552745 - Stakeholders in recovery: demands, expectations, and research opportunities.
11141535 - An emergency housing program as an alternative to inpatient treatment for persons with ...
14976615 - Animal behaviour learning environment: software to facilitate learning in canine and fe...
8397615 - Evaluation of the noncognitive professional traits of medical students.
10970005 - Decision analysis in evidence-based decision making.
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Drug and alcohol review     Volume:  29     ISSN:  1465-3362     ISO Abbreviation:  Drug Alcohol Rev     Publication Date:  2010 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-10-26     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9015440     Medline TA:  Drug Alcohol Rev     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  684-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
© 2010 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.
Affiliation:
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. s.larney@unsw.edu.au
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Alcohol consumption in sport: The influence of sporting idols, friends and normative drinking practi...
Next Document:  Anxiety diagnoses in smokers seeking cessation treatment: relations with tobacco dependence, withdra...