The Cannabis Cautioning Scheme Three Years on An Implementation and Outcome Evaluation
With the development of the Illicit Drug Initiative of 1999, which forms part of a national framework for tackling illicit drug use, Australian State and Territory governments are increasingly emphasising the diversion of minor and first-time drug offenders from the traditional criminal justice system into education or treatment. The Cannabis Cautioning Scheme ... form[s] part of the NSW Government's program of drug diversion initiatives. The NSW Police commissioned the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research to conduct an independent evaluation of the Cannabis Cautioning Scheme in its first three years. This report presents the results of that evaluation ... The findings in the report highlight the difficulties involved in trying to divert minor and first-time cannabis users into treatment ... [T]hey also suggest ways in which the Cannabis Cautioning Scheme could be improved.