Pubdate: Mon, 08 May 2006
Source: Edson Leader (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Edson Leader
Contact:  http://www.edsonleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/780
Author: Ed Moore
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PARENTS ASSISTED BY NEW CHILD-DRUG ACT

As of July 1, parents who are at the end of their rope when it comes 
to ending their child's drug problem, can seek assistance through the 
Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD).

Under the new legislation, parents or guardians can apply to the 
provincial court to have a youth placed in a protective safe house 
for up to five days.

However, it's not a guarantee that those who request it, get it.

"Call AADAC (Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission) first. Their 
needs and the child's needs could be determined," Darlene Gartner, 
senior manager of Children Accessing Drugs - Youth Services Branch 
for AADAC said.

She added AADAC counsellors would determine what course of action 
should be taken.

They would decide if the child has endangered themselves or others 
through their drug use.

For Edson and area residents, the nearest safe houses are in Edmonton 
and Grande Prairie.

While under court-ordered confinement, AADAC provides detoxification 
services, assess for the abuse of drugs and alcohol, and works with 
the child and parent/guardian to develop voluntary treatment plan 
after the child leaves the protective safe house.

As the Edson Court House has limited staff hours, parents may have to 
make the trip to Hinton for court services.

The new act is for youth under 18.

Edith Zuidhof-Knoop, Edson AADAC area supervisor, said there would be 
no increase in staffing or workload for her office, but Gartner said 
personnel in the local office would likely undergo PChAD training.

"Youth addictions are a growing concern in our communities," AADAC 
board chairperson and Calgary Lougheed MLA Dave Rodney said.

"Specialized programs and services already exist for youth, but under 
the new law it will be the first time a young person can be ordered 
into detox for addictions services through a non-criminal avenue. 
This new measure will create an opportunity for recovery when 
children are unable or unwilling to seek help."

Red Deer - North MLA Mary Jablonski introduced the legislation as a 
Private Member's bill.

It received Royal Assent on May 20, 2005.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman