ANNEX B: DTTOs AND OTHER DISPOSALS
Distinction between DTTO and Probation with Drug Treatment Conditions:
DTTO
- This is a high tariff, demanding and invasive order best considered when the offender is facing the likelihood of custody due to the nature of the offence or the frequency & pattern of offending
- This is a disposal, which focuses on drug treatment as the primary means of reducing offending
- Age, maturity & motivation are important factors when considering the effectiveness of a DTTO. The older offender is likely to be able to more able to sustain the commitment required
- Other things being equal, especially for younger offenders, some previous experience of statutory supervision might be helpful (though not essential).
Probation
- May be more effective for offenders not yet heavily convicted or at a relatively early stage in drug misuse
- Where an offender is younger or considered only at a beginning level of readiness for change in relation to drug misuse
- Where there are complex social circumstances likely to impede an offender's concentration on drug treatment - eg: homelessness/housing issues; relationship difficulties; domestic violence; etc
- Where drug needs are identified but there are other factors associated with offending which would not be addressed primarily through a treatment-based approach. In these circumstances, a probation action plan incorporating cognitive-behavioural methods of intervention as well as a clear focus on drugs misuse may better meet needs and reduce the risk of re-offending more effectively.
- Where an offender is already successfully engaged in drug treatment and there is no evidence to suggest that the treatment plan needs to be augmented. Here, a probation order enhanced by a condition of drug counselling might suffice.
- Where medium to long-term residential treatment is required, probation would be more suitable.
Convictions for new offences are always breaches of Probation but not of DTTO.
Concurrent Probation: Objectives of a DTTO are fundamentally different from those of Probation so report writers will not normally seek Probation Order concurrent with DTTO.