TREATING DRUG ADDICTS CHEAPER THAN JAIL

The Canadian Mental Health Association wants to put a five-bed women's
only recovery home in Maple Ridge and it's seeking council's support
for the project.

The home would be called Nightingale House and focus on reuniting moms
with their children by teaching life and parenting skills.

According to the mental health association's Rodney Baker, there's a
gap in service for women who have drug and drinking problems who want
to connect with their kids. Its statistics say that last year in Maple
Ridge, there were 25 such women, affecting about 40 children, who
couldn't get the help they need.

The mental health association already operates three homes in Maple
Ridge, plus an outreach service and notes that so far, it's had no
police incidents. Some of the people at those homes have both mental
health and drug addiction issues.

If Nightingale House opens, Heather Steele, currently the CMHA's
outreach worker in Maple Ridge, would operate the home.

Steele says during her time here she "consistently" found women who
were desperate to reconnect with their children.

Depending on money available, Nightingale House would be staffed
either 12 hours a day or around the clock, although the latter is
recommended for such an operation.

Women staying at the house, a location has yet to be confirmed, would
participate in group therapy, 12-step programs, and reading and
writing assignments and skills training. Stays would be limited to six
months.

Mental health asked for and received Maple Ridge council's support in
principal on Monday. It will be given in a letter of support. That
would assist in getting funding from BC Housing.

Total cost for a year to run the home is budgeted at just more than
$118,000 - with BC Housing providing $96,283 in the first year.

However, funding for subsequent years also would have to come from
Services Canada, Ministry of Children and Family Development, the
United Way and the District of Maple Ridge, plus service clubs, says
the association.