Pubdate: Wed, 12 Apr 2006
Source: Langley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 BC Newspaper Group and New Media Development
Contact:  http://www.langleytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1230
Author: Al Irwin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ADDICTION PROGRAMS REQUESTED

Langley Township council wants to know what Fraser Health Authority 
is doing for drug- and alcohol- addicted youth.

Councillor Jordan Bateman told council last week he wants to know 
what FHA does before he casts his vote on a motion by Councillor Kim 
Richter, to share costs of a treatment program with Langley School District.

The program advocated by Richter was the subject of a presentation to 
council March 27, from Marilyn Benning, of the Day Evening Weekend 
Youth (DEWEY) program. Benning told council DEWEY was funded by Fraser Health.

She said the New Westminster-based Pacific Community Resources 
managed the DEWEY program to assist youth aged 13 to 18 with 
significant substance misuse problems. The program provides 
structured individual and group non-residential treatment, geared to 
enhancing youths' motivation to change their behaviour and reduce or 
abstain from drug or alcohol use.

The DEWEY program offers 35 hours of core and optional programming 
per week. Participants, who must have completed a comprehensive 
assessment by an alcohol-and-drug service provider, and be in a 
stable housing environment, are required to attend a minimum three 
group sessions and one individual counselling appointment each week 
for 10 to 12 weeks.

A pilot program was offered in Langley in the past.

Richter's motion was seconded by Councillor Mel Kositsky.

Bateman moved to defer, asking for a presentation from Fraser Health 
about its efforts to help addicted youth.

Richter said there is some urgency, as she wants the program costs 
included in the 2006 Township budget.

Bateman said he doesn't want to wait much longer either, but he wants 
to hear what FHA is funding before committing local tax dollars.

The DEWEY program is offered in schools, after school hours.

The estimated cost of the program is $163,000.

The program's aims to help youth:

- - develop healthy lifestyles not reliant on drugs or alcohol;

- - develop skills like problem solving, decision making, 
assertiveness, anger managment and conflict resolution;

- - enhance self-esteem and functioning within the family and community;

- - integrate treatment with other community services.

For information about Pacific Community Resources, see www.pcrs.ca.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom