BABY OVERDOSE INCIDENT HITS HOME WITH PARENTS

Hinton parents have become more concerned about their children's care
providers after a local infant overdosed on an illegal drug while in
her babysitter's care.

Although the home where the incident took place had a business licence
from the Town of Hinton, it wasn't an approved day home. Since the
incident, the West Yellowhead Child and Family Services Authority has
fielded many questions regarding licenced childcare facilities. And
there will soon be answers.

Jennifer Durling, child care specialist for West Yellowhead Child and
Family Services Authority was in Hinton, April 26, to talk to the
local community advisory committee on that topic.

She told the committee that although there are only private operators
at the moment, Hinton will soon have approved day homes.

"The Edson Family Day Homes have plans to run an office in Hinton with
approved day homes," said Durling.

These homes are approved and operate under specific provincial
guidelines. There can only be a total of six children in a day home
and only two of those children can be under the age of two.

All homes must go through a criminal record check and have proper
liability insurance. They will also be inspected to make sure they are
safe for the children to stay in. "The providers will get visits once
a month from their supervisor and there will be support for them as
well," said Durling.

The Edson Family Day Home program, which will run day homes in Hinton
is a non-profit organization. So far Hinton does not have any
provincially approved day homes although that may change in the near
future.

The community advisory committee will host an information session, May
8 from 1-4:30 p.m., at the Alberta Environment boardroom on the third
floor of the Hinton Government Centre for both possible day home users
and providers. Durling and Joan Olsen of Edson Family Day Homes will
be in attendance to answer questions.