Pubdate: Tue, 15 May 2007
Source: Drumheller Valley Times (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 Valley Printing & Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.valleytimes.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4054
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

ALBERTA LAW FIRST IN CANADA TO PROTECT DRUG-ENDANGERED
KIDS

Edmonton... Children exposed to an adult's involvement in serious drug
activity, such as manufacturing and trafficking, will benefit from
additional protection when a new Alberta law takes effect Nov. 1.

This is the first legislation in Canada to identify who is a
drugendangered child and make it clear that children exposed to
serious drug activity are victims of abuse and require protection.

"These kids are being abused, and they need our protection," said
Children's Services Minister Heather 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.

This is in response to research that has found that drug-endangered
children are at high-risk for chronic respiratory disorders,
neurological damage, cancer and physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

The new legislation is also expected to raise awareness of the plight
of drug-endangered children and result in increased reporting of this
type of child abuse.

The Drug-endangered Children Act received Royal Assent on March 23.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Steve Heath