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The MERIT program is a court-based diversion program for adults facing charges in the Local Court who have issues related to their alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. MERIT provides access to a range of AOD treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned. Participation in the program is voluntary and does not require a plea of guilty to be eligible.
Benefits of MERIT include:
MERIT is available at 82 Local Courts in NSW. See if MERIT is in your area.
To take part in MERIT, you have to be referred. The Local Court, your solicitor, a police officer, family or friend can refer you, or you can refer yourself. To refer yourself or someone else contact MERIT on 1800 250 015.
You may be eligible for MERIT if you:
If you are assessed as eligible for MERIT, the Local Court will decide if you can start the program.
If accepted into MERIT, your court matter will be put on hold. A MERIT team will work with you to decide the best treatment and support that suits you. This may include:
During MERIT you'll be asked to:
While the MERIT team will do what they can to support you, you can withdraw from program at any time. You can also be removed if you don’t meet MERIT conditions. If you don’t complete the program, your court matter will continue as if you didn’t start the program. You won’t be punished for not completing it.
If you complete MERIT:
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