The NSW Government launched the Cognitive Impairment Diversion Program pilot to assist defendants with a cognitive impairment and charged with low-level offences. The program will help the defendants access services that address the underlying causes of their offending behaviour.

The pilot program will be rolled out at Penrith and Gosford Local Courts, and evaluated after a year to determine whether it should be expanded to other locations.

How will this work?

1. A psychologist or psychiatrist will screen defendants appearing before the court on lower level charges (known as summary offences) to identify people with a cognitive impairment.
2. Support workers will identify defendant's needs and goals and assist them in accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) services.
3. A report will be provided to help magistrates decide whether to direct defendants for treatement or support instead of criminal sanctions.

Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies highlights the importance of the program:

“Supporting people with cognitive issues when they enter the criminal justice system can increase their quality of life, reduce their risk of committing further crime and create safer communities,” Mrs Davies said.

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