Pubdate: Sun, 29 Oct 2006 Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 The Calgary Sun Contact: http://www.calgarysun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67 Author: Tarina White, Calgary Sun NEW LAW PROTECTS KIDS FROM DRUG HOUSES Allows Police to Rescue At-Risk Children Touted as the first of its kind in Canada, Alberta legislation taking effect this week will give the province the power to rescue children living in homes with serious drug activity. The Drug-endangered Children Act is the first to identify who is a drug-endangered child and to require protection for kids exposed to serious drug involvement, said Children's Services Minister Heather Forsyth. "These kids are being abused and they need our protection," said Forsyth. "The issue of children being exposed to the dangers of drug manufacturing and trafficking is becoming more and more common. "The Drug-endangered Children Act will ensure we are able to respond to these situations and keep more children safe." Under the new law, child intervention caseworkers and police will be able to rescue and protect children based solely on the fact they are drug-endangered. Research has found that drug-endangered children are at high-risk for chronic respiratory disorders, neurological damage, cancer and physical, emotional and sexual abuse, said Forsyth. The new legislation takes effect Wednesaday. Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart, who chairs the Stop Marijuana Grow-op Coalition, recently visited a former grow-op home in Cranston where children had been living. The kids had been exposed to a number of potential health concerns due to mould, fire hazards, chemicals and venting. "I really realized when I walked into this house how important this new legislation is," said Colley-Urquhart "That's why government needs to step in and protect these children - they're innocent victims." Alberta RCMP Cpl. Wayne Oakes also applauded the new law. "It's one that's viewed as being significant legislation," said Oakes. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine