Bail support (CISP)

The program aims to reduce the likelihood of people re-offending by assisting them access support services.

The Court Integrated Services Program (CISP) provides support and coordinates referrals to:

• drug and alcohol treatment services
• crisis and supported accommodation
• disability and mental health services
• acquired brain injury services
• Koori specific services. 

The accused person is assigned a case manager who meets regularly to help them through the program, review their progress and provide updates to the magistrate.  

CISP can begin anytime between the accused person being charged up until sentencing. 

The steps below outline how a referral into CISP can be made. It does not cover all scenarios.  

STEP 1: Confirm availability of CISP

Ensure CISP is available at the Magistrates’ Court where your matter is being heard.  CISP is available at the:

• Ballarat Magistrates’ Court 
• Bendigo Magistrates’ Court 
• Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court 
• Dandenong Magistrates’ Court 
• Frankston Magistrates’ Court
• Geelong Magistrates’ Court
• Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court
• Korumburra Magistrates’ Court 
• La Trobe Valley Magistrates’ Court
• Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
• Mildura Magistrates’ Court
• Moorabbin Justice Centre
• Portland Magistrates’ Court
• Ringwood Magistrates’ Court
• Shepparton Magistrates’ Court
• Sunshine Magistrates’ Court
• Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court
• Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court
• Wodonga Magistrates’ Court
• Wonthaggi Magistrates’ Court 

STEP 2: Confirm eligibility

The accused person:

• must be charged with an offence
• consents to be involved with CISP
• is experiencing:
  • physical or mental disabilities or illnesses
  • drug and alcohol dependency and misuse issues
  • inadequate social, family and economic support that contributes to the frequency or severity of their offending
  • homelessness. 

STEP 3: Seek a referral

The accused person can refer themselves or be referred by: 

• the police
• their lawyer
• a judicial officer
• the Office of Public Prosecutions
• a registrar
• a support services agency
• family or friend

The accused person must agree to be involved in CISP before a referral can be made.

Access the online form or download a PDF form and submit to the relevant Magistrates’ Court.

What happens next?

A case management plan will be developed with each person accepted onto the program. The plan outlines referrals and linkages to community treatment and support services. A case manager will also be assigned to work with program participants. Progress reports are provided to the court throughout the program. 

An accused person is usually on CISP for about four months. They may be required to come before a magistrate on a monthly basis so checks ups can be made on the accused person's progress.

Take a look at the MCV CISP flyer, which provides a snapshot of what CISP is, who is eligible what is involved.