Pubdate: Mon, 02 Jul 2007
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Tarina White, Sun Media
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

FORCED DETOX AIDS HUNDREDS

Law For Child Addicts, Families Praised

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 as long as 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-Buffalo 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, to 
which parents can send their addicted children for round-the-clock 
supervision -- whether the children want to go or not.

The act applies to kids age 12 to 17.

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