Pubdate: Sun, 01 Jul 2007
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.edmontonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Tarina White, Sun Media

AADAC HELPS HUNDREDS

Parents Succeed In Getting Help For Addicted Kids

CALGARY -- Hundreds of Alberta families have benefited  from
legislation introduced by the province last summer  that enables
parents to force their children into  mandatory detox, government stats show.

Under the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act, a  parent or
guardian can apply to have their drug or  alcohol-addicted child
placed in a protective safe  house for up to five days.

In its first year, 395 families have used the  legislation to access
treatment services.

Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) chair  and Calgary
MLA Harvey Cenaiko called the legislation  an important piece of the
addiction services puzzle.

"We have connected with youth and families we may  otherwise not have
been able to help," Cenaiko said.

"In fact, of the youth who were confined in the past  year, 229 chose
to continue with voluntary services."

Last July, AADAC opened five 'safe houses' across the  province where
parents can send their addicted children  for round-the-clock
supervision -- whether the children  want to go or not.

The act applies to kids aged 12 to 17. In the past,  unless a
youngster voluntarily sought help at the  urging of parents, there was
little they could do.

During the court-ordered confinement, AADAC provides  detoxification
services, assessment and works with the  child and parents to develop
a voluntary treatment  plan.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Steve Heath