AADAC OFFERS TOLL-FREE YOUTH CRISIS LINE

A toll-free, 24-hour crisis line and an eventual youth detoxification
centre are part of a new youth-at-risk program unveiled Jan. 12 by
the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC).

The program, the second part of an AADAC pilot project, is aimed at
youth at risk of developing alcohol, drug or gambling problems. While
many of the extra resources such as staffing are targeted for the
larger urban areas, youth in the smaller rural centres will also
benefit, said Marsh Hoke, AADAC Edson area office supervisor.

The target age group for the pilot project is youth ages 12 to 18
years. The program was in response to recommendations made at the
Premier's Task Force on Children at Risk and the Alberta Children's
Forum last year.

A 24-hour, toll-free line (1-866-332-2322) is available for youth at
risk who wish immediate help. The operation of the phone line has
been contracted to the Support Network of Edmonton.

In 1998-99, AADAC treated 2,746 adolescents for addictions problems.

"These are kids winding up in crisis, and drugs and alcohol are just
part of it," said Hoke.

Other than the toll-free crisis line the AADAC program will not
provide any new resources for Edson but it could help provide better
linkages for youth to existing Edson-and-area programs as provided by
organizations such as the Edson Friendship Centre and Youth
Educational Alternatives.

The future detox centre, like the youth at risk program, is a "work
in progress," said Hoke, and would also deal with youth behavioral
and emotional problems. Hoke expected an announcement as to where the
centre will be located within the next six to 12 months.

Edson-and-area youth who currently have severe drug or addiction
problems are often sent to Edmonton to live with relatives or foster
families. They continue to receive their education, with a half day
of studies and a half day of counselling. The education takes place
in a former Edmonton Public School Division building which was sold
by the school division to the provincial government.

Key components of the new program include: A multi-media campaign
incorporating television, radio, print and transit advertising. A new
video, Faces of Reality, in which four youths talk about how to reach
young people with messages about addiction problems (aired on Global
television on Jan. 13) New alcohol and drug education resources for
parents and schools. Other components of the youth at risk program
include: Mobile service teams providing outreach to youth in six
pilot communities - Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Red
Deer, Calgary and Lethbridge a Web site for youth ages nine to 13
(www.aadac4kids.com) a youth advisory committee, which provides
guidance on awareness messages and materials, strategies for
connecting with youth at risk, and focus and direction for the AADAC
youth Web site. This will keep the program relevant, focussed and
meaningful to youth at risk.