NEW LAW WILL FORCE KIDS INTO DETOX

Audrey Bjornstad wishes she could have forced her son off the streets
when he became a crystal methamphetamine addict at age 16.

But unable to convince Tyler to come home, she sat helpless thinking
he might die as his drug dependency and health worsened.

"It's awful," says the 44-year-old Edmonton resident and
physiotherapist. "You don't sleep, you don't eat, you don't know
where your child is. But you know they're using."

Now, an Alberta law that came into effect July 1 allows parents of
drug-addicted children to ask the courts for an apprehension and
confinement order.

Under the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act, children can be
forced to spend five days in a detox centre.

The law was introduced as a private member's bill and passed
unanimously last year. So far, 10 applications have been granted. The
first application was approved last week in Calgary.

But not everyone agrees with the legislation.

"What's really troubling is the child has no say; they're ignored in
this process," says Calgary lawyer Stephen Jenuth, president of the
Alberta Civil Liberties Association.

"One would expect they'd have a chance to say something in court
before they're locked up."

The legislation will be administered through the Alberta Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC).

AADAC has been providing addictions information, treatment and
prevention for more than 50 years. But its programs have historically
been voluntary.

Silvia Vajushi, executive director of AADAC's youth services, says
the new law needs to be monitored.

"For those parents who've tried everything else, or can't get their
kids to engage in anything else and are afraid for their safety, it's
good that there's something there for them," she says.

"But it's not a program to be used as a threat. I think if we help
parents become aware of issues surrounding drug and alcohol use and
they're more aware earlier, we're hoping the problem never gets to that stage."

A Calgary father who did not want to be named says he was shocked to
discover his 14-year-old daughter was abusing alcohol, marijuana and
possibly ecstacy. Fortunately, he says, his daughter asked for help,
completed a 12-week AADAC program and remains sober at age 16.

The father says he supports the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act.

"You've got to do whatever you can to protect your kids," says the
44-year-old transportation company manager.

"They may not like it or they may be in denial, but if you can court
order it and get them the help they need, you're saving a life."

Bjornstad -- co-founder of Parents Empowering Parents, a support and
action group for parents with drug-addicted children -- had been
lobbying for the law.

Her son Tyler is now 19 years old, and although he's been sober for
three months, he's been in and out of the criminal justice system for years.

Bjornstad says she hopes the new law will allow other children to get
help earlier.

She adds she'll continue lobbying for 90 days of mandatory treatment
instead of five.