News related to youth justice is always of significance and interest to workers helping young people with AOD related issues.

There are strong links between involvement in the justice system and problematic substance use. In the recent Victorian Youth AOD Cenus it was found that 66% of young people in Youth AOD treatment also had involvement with the justice system. Any efforts to help divert young people away from the justice system and custodial options but instead into help and support options in the community should be supported.

This ABC news report details lobbying by the SMART Justice coalition to improve funding for youth diversion programs and widen them to better cover rural areas. Also check out this video about the success of youth diversion. YSAS also recently published a report discussing the impacts and outcomes of their Justice diversion programs. Read it here.