JUDGE PRESSES FOR BETTER WAY TO HELP YOUTH

EDMONTON - A judge heading a fatality inquiry into the suicide of a
17-year-old boy in Stony Plain has recommended a task force study
ways to better deal with youth who refuse treatment and services.

The boy was a ward of the province for six years, but ran away from
numerous group homes and preferred life on the street. He hanged
himself in his grandfather's garage on March 12, 2003.

Judge Peter Ayotte wrote in his report, released Friday, that the boy
had psychological and substance-abuse problems.

He recommended simultaneous treatment be available, without a court
order, for youths with mental-health and addictions issues.

He said refusal of treatment is not uncommon for wards of the
province and a task force should study how it can best get help to
those unwilling to accept it.

The 2006 Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act, which allows
parents to place addicted minors in secure treatment for five days,
is a start, said Ayotte. But more needs to be done.

"Young lives are at stake and for children like this boy, they are
lives for which society bears a special responsibility," he said.