Undertake the MERIT Program

The MERIT program is a voluntary drug rehabilitation program for defendants who are on bail.

The program lasts for 12 weeks and is tailored to the needs of individual participants.

Magistrates are given progress reports by MERIT at certain intervals.

A final report is prepared and given to the court at the end of the program.

Through the MERIT program, magistrates can obtain an overview of defendants’ progress towards rehabilitation, and whether they are likely to reoffend in future.

Successful participation in the program is a significant component in deciding the penalty for a drug charge.

For more information about MERIT see our main website page: MERIT Program