GOV'T INTRODUCES FORCED DETOX BILL

Legislation Would Compel Teens To Get Treatment

REGINA -- The Saskatchewan government introduced legislation Tuesday
that will give parents and guardians a means of forcing drug-addicted
youth into detox.

The Youth Drug Detoxification and Stabilization Act was given first
reading in the legislative assembly by Graham Addley, minister of
healthy living services. Under the legislation, parents and guardians
of youth aged 12 to 17 would ask a judge to have the youth assessed to
determine if they need involuntary detoxification for a severe drug
addiction.

"We want to make sure the rights of young people are protected.
However, we want to honour the very real desire of parents to protect
their children," said Addley.

If the judge deems the youth needs assessment, a warrant is issued for
the youth to be apprehended within seven days. The youth will be
assessed by a physician within 24 hours of apprehension.

Following assessment, a youth can agree to voluntary detoxification.
If they do not, a teenager can be placed involuntarily into detox
following assessment by a second physician.

"Once ordered, youth would be required to undergo involuntary
detoxification and stabilization within a facility that offers a safe
and protective environment for a period of up to five days. There is a
possibility of an extension, determined by physicians, to a maximum of
15 days," said Addley.

Any treatment following detox is voluntary. Addley said there is also
an option for a community order where there are measures available to
allow the youth to undergo detox and stabilization within 30 days in
the community.

Police may also apprehend a youth under the act without a warrant if
the youth is believed to be suffering from a severe drug addiction. In
this case, the youth would be assessed by a physician within 12 hours.

Some details of the legislation are still being worked out, including
where beds for the involuntary detox will be located. Addley said the
beds are expected to be in a secure Saskatoon facility, but many
options are being explored.

He said he hopes the bill will be passed this fall and beds will be
ready when it comes into force.