17 September 2012
For immediate release

Drug Treatment Courts (AODTCs) potential game changer in criminal justice system

JustSpeak welcomes the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Courts (AODTCs) pilot programme as a potential game changer in our criminal justice system.

At a community forum last week JustSpeak heard from Judge Tremewan, one of the two judges who has set up the AODTCs programme at the Auckland and Waitakere District Courts, and a number of other panellists. Judge Tremewan delivered an inspiring and impassioned talk about her work establishing the AODTC pilot, and her strong belief in the ability of the model to succeed in Aotearoa. The other panel members, who have themselves been through the criminal justice system and rehabilitation programmes, strongly supported the kaupapa of the programme and the AODTC model.

The AODTC model was created in the United States in 1989, and there are now over 2500 “drug courts” in the US. The model has also been successfully implemented across a number of other countries, including Australia and Canada. Judge Tremewan referred to the courts as “the most researched courts in the world” and the model has been heralded as a major success in lowering recidivism rates among offenders suffering drug and alcohol addiction issues. JustSpeak strongly commends the work of Judge Lisa Tremewan and her colleague Judge Ema Aitken in establishing the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Courts (AODTCs) pilot programme at the Auckland and Waitakere District Courts, and calls for strong support for the programme from communities, service providers and our politicians.

Diane White, JustSpeak Auckland spokesperson, says: “The AODTC programme represents exactly the kind of approach we need to be taking across the criminal justice system. The model is a proven and effective way to lower recidivism among offenders with addiction issues, which in New Zealand accounts for a huge number of offenders. It signifies a shift away from policies driven by emotive, punitive rhetoric that have long been shown to be harmful and ineffective in reducing criminal offending. This programme has the potential to produce long-term outcomes that benefit all New Zealanders.”

The audience members were heartened by the passion of Judge Tremewan, and the inspiring stories shared by the other speakers. Lucy Xie, a member of JustSpeak Auckland, says: “the many personal stories shared by the speakers, though at times hard to listen to, were testament to their bravery in the face of addiction. Their gratitude towards Judge Tremewan and nod of approval for the AODTCs shone. The event was a showcase of the positive impact of law reform and one which we should be proud of.”

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