Melbourne, VIC, 8th April 2011 – UnitingCare Moreland Hall, one of Victoria’s leading alcohol and other drugs agencies, today commended the Baillieu Government’s announcement that it would continue funding for Victoria’s specialist courts (http://bit.ly/agearticle).
CEO, Laurence Alvis said:
It is encouraging that the Government has overcome its previous opposition to these important initiatives and decided to retain the Neighbourhood Justice Centre, Drug and Koori Courts within the Victorian Justice System.
It has been well recognised that these courts provide better outcomes for the individuals concerned, their families and the community at large. The practice of providing individuals with opportunities to address the contributing factors to their offending, rather than simply sending them to prison where their behaviour is likely to become further entrenched, is a powerful force for positive change within our community.
Moreland Hall commends the Baillieu Government’s stated intention to expand elements of the courts’ practices more widely throughout the Victorian Justice System. Mr Alvis continued:
These courts have been shown to effective in reducing individuals’ recidivism, promoting effective engagement with relevant community services and reducing social disadvantage (http://bit.ly/vicauditorgeneralreport). It would be a fantastic outcome if they became more accessible to people throughout Victoria.
ENDS
For further information or comment please contact CEO Laurence Alvis on 9384 8880
Background about Moreland Hall: UnitingCare Moreland Hall is an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) treatment and education agency of the Uniting Church in Australia. Moreland Hall has been operating since 1970 and provides a range of treatment and education services to clients in the North West Metropolitan region of Melbourne. These include counselling and support in the community and at Port Phillip prison, adult and youth home-based and residential withdrawal, education and training, drug diversion programs, supported accommodation and youth and family service.
