Pubdate: Wed, 18 Oct 2006
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Emma Poole, Calgary Herald

COUNCIL POSTPONES DRUG COURT DECISION

A city council vote that could have launched a new drug treatment 
court in Calgary has been postponed, and instead the issue will be 
debated next month at a committee meeting.

Ald. Druh Farrell, who drafted the motion, had asked for $100,000 in 
seed money for the court for each of the next two years.

The program, known in some U.S. jurisdictions as "hugs for thugs," 
would offer eligible offenders the chance to participate in 
court-monitored treatment.

Ending a person's addiction is supposed to put an end to the crimes 
he commits to pay for drugs.

Generally, drug courts are used to rehabilitate non-violent offenders 
who commit crimes to feed their addiction.

"This is not saying every addict qualifies for drug court," Farrell 
said Tuesday. "If we continue to wait for other orders of government 
to act . . . we may be waiting a long time."

At least one alderman said the move to fund a drug court could cost 
Calgarians for years to come.

"This is yet another one of those areas that is not within the city's 
mandate," said Ald. Gord Lowe, adding the province should be on the 
hook for startup cash.

Although a provincial task force on crystal meth recently recommended 
establishing drug courts provincewide, it set no timeline for the initiative.

Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver have drug 
courts. Calgary's court would be a partnership involving social 
agencies such as the Salvation Army and would offer treatment and 
counselling to defendants.

Farrell's $100,000 proposal would likely go toward drug testing and 
hiring a court-appointed social worker.

The issues will be addressed at a meeting of the community and 
protective services committee on Nov.1.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine