The Rural Outreach Drug Diversion Youth Worker (RODDW) program is an outreach drug and alcohol service for young people. The program aims to widen the safety net, so more young people at risk of legal and health consequences, due to their substance misuse, are diverted away from the justice system and into treatment.
The program is designed to be an alternative to criminal justice sanctions and to address individual drug related behaviour through assessment, education and treatment.
The program also provides drug assessment and treatment to young people who are apprehended for a non-drug related offence and are not eligible to receive a caution and participate in the Drug Diversion program, but whose drug use is a clear factor in their offending behaviour.
The Outreach Worker can work with young people in their own environment, maintaining regular contact and providing support in following through on referrals, including transport, to referral agency and assisting the person to build a range of support structures. The worker will act as case coordinator with the advantage of mobility and flexibility to meet the specific needs of the young offenders.
Eligibility
Young people between 12 - 25 years living in the Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields Shires (older people may be assessed as eligible) whose drug use is a clear factor in their offending behaviour.
To Arrange an Appointment
Referrals to the Rural Outreach Drug Diversion (RODDW) Program are brokered through the Community Offenders Advice Treatment Services (COATS). Referrals can be made formally by contacting COATS or informally by contacting the RODD worker.
To Contact the RODD Worker
Castlemaine District Community Health 3 days per week on Ph: (03) 5479 1000
Maryborough District Health Service 2 days per week, 75-87 Clarendon Street. Ph: 54610 400
Fees
The RODDW service is free