Pubdate: Tue, 01 Jun 2010
Source: Olds Albertan, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2010 The Olds Albertan
Contact:  http://www.oldsalbertan.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2380
Author: Dan Singleton

DRUG-ENDANGERED CHILDREN MUST COME FIRST

Four years ago Alberta became the first province in Canada to 
institute legislation allowing police to remove children from homes 
where drugs were being abused. At the time, the hope was the new law 
would convince parents and guardians to do the right thing by keeping 
drug activities well away from children.

Under the Drug-Endangered Children Act caseworkers and police can 
apprehend any young person they deem to be endangered by the drug 
activities of the child's parent or guardian.

The act defines a dangerous drug environment as any place where 
crystal methamphetamine is being made, marijuana is being grown, or 
where illegal drugs are being sold.

If within two days the child cannot be safely returned to the 
offending parent or guardian, the young person automatically falls 
under the authority of the Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.

However, four years after the act was implemented, some Alberta 
parents and guardians still haven't gotten the easy-to-understand 
message that it's downright stupid and dangerous to have drug 
activity around children.

Just last week, three Calgary children were taken from their home and 
placed in protective custody when their 33-year-old father was 
allegedly caught dealing cocaine and marijuana from the family home.

Now those children's lives have been thrown into disarray, probably 
forcing them to miss school and taking them away from their friends 
all because some idiot doesn't know the difference between right and wrong.

The government says, rightly, that drug activities endanger young 
people in many ways, including by exposing them to the risk of fires 
and explosions, abuse and neglect, or the inhalation, absorption and 
ingestion of toxic chemicals and substances.

As well, children in drug environments all too often suffer poor 
nutrition, lack of medical or dental care, poisoning, burns, stress 
and anxiety, internal organ damage, chronic respiratory problems, 
neurological damage, and cancer.

"Drug activity is increasing throughout our province and innocent 
children are being found in places where drugs are being produced or 
sold," provincial officials said when the Drug-Endangered Children 
Act was implemented. "It will ensure we are able to respond to this 
emerging social issue."

While a few grossly misguided drug users and dealers may feel that 
the government has no place in the family home, right thinking 
Albertans believe the health and welfare of children should and must 
take precedence over the wishes of drug offenders, each and every time.

West Central Alberta residents who believe a child they know may be 
in danger from drug activity should call the Child Abuse Hotline at 
1-800-387-5437 or Crime Stoppers.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart