ONE of the region’s most successful drug rehabilitation programs has been forced to suspend its intake of new clients because of a big increase in demand and a temporary staff shortage.
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The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program is operated by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
People charged with criminal offences – such as driving with an illicit drug – can work towards addressing their drug problems with MERIT staff while on bail.
Demand on MERIT’s services has exploded since police ramped up their testing of drivers for illicit drugs.
“Since the start of police drug driving testing in September, average referrals to MERIT have increased from nine per month to 21 per month, an increase of 55 per cent,” said Robyn Manzie, MLHD’s director of mental health and drugs and alcohol.
Ms Manzie said MERIT had suspended accepting clients for a month while new staff were sought.
“Recruitment for vacant positions is underway and it is expected the service will resume in late August,” Ms Manzie said.
“The MERIT program will continue to operate for existing clients and people with current court matters who need drug or alcohol treatment will be referred to the MLHD Wagga drug and alcohol service for alternative options.”
Wagga solicitor, Greg Reynolds, said he was disappointed MERIT had been suspended for new clients “because it is such a valuable program”.
“It is a program that would warrant further funding because of the results it achieves,” Mr Reynolds said.
“Addiction to ice and cannabis is a dreadful thing in our society, it is on the increase, and in my experience MERIT is one program that is able to help people turn their life around.
“We have seen in a lot of our clients who have entered the program that it has enabled them to beat their addiction and lead positive lives again.”
Ms Manzie said MERIT would work through client referrals in the coming months to ensure people were provided with treatment as soon as possible.
MERIT seems to be a victim of its own success, it’s proven ability to turn lives around making it an attractive option for people forced to confront their illicit drug habit.
Criminal lawyers often ask Wagga magistrate Erin Kennedy to refer their clients to the program.
Ms Kennedy is supportive of MERIT and often sings its praises from the bench when encouraging defendants to commit to change.
