NEW DRUG DETOX ACT TAKES EFFECT TONIGHT

New legislation that gives parents and guardians the means to force
drug-addicted youth into detoxification comes into effect this weekend.

"At midnight Friday night, the Paul Dojack Centre will have the
opportunity to house children who require involuntary detoxification
and stabilization," said Graham Addley, minister of healthy living services.

"It will be fully staffed and ready to go one minute after midnight
Friday night."

Under the Youth Drug Detoxification and Stabilization Act, parents or
guardians of youth aged 12 to 17 can ask a judge to assess them to
determine whether they need involuntary care to stabilize their health.

"This specific piece of legislation and the program we're
implementing April 1 is to be used as a last resort and for those
that are really requiring a drastic intervention," Addley told
reporters Thursday.

Parents or guardians can contact Healthline to speak to an addictions
worker who will explain all their options, Addley said. The parent or
guardian will then take their case before a judge and must show
evidence that the child is suffering from a severe addiction, is an
immediate danger to themselves or others, needs confinement for their
own safety or to detoxify, and needs to be assessed by a doctor.

If the judge decides the youth is in need of assessment, two doctors
will evaluate the youth's condition. The youth may be released to
seek involuntary care.

If not, Addley said they may be given a community order to spend 30
days living at home under certain restrictions or the youth may be
given a five-day involuntary stay in a secure facility for
detoxification, which could be renewed two times for a total stay of
15 days. The youth may also receive a community order before or after
an involuntary stay in the secure facility.

After completing the involuntary stay or community order, the youth
will be encouraged to pursue further outpatient counseling or
inpatient treatment in their health region.

The interim provincial secure youth detox centre has been set up in a
separate unit at the Dojack Centre. Addley said construction on the
permanent centre will begin in Saskatoon this fall with the 12 bed
program possibly open next year.

Saskatchewan Party MLA Ted Merriman said while the involuntary
treatment for youth is a start, it does not do enough to address
long-term needs. He explained he would like to have seen more
long-term treatment in place following the involuntary term, as well
as treatment for the youth's family as well.

"Five days is a pretty small time frame in an addiction," said Merriman.