TREATING ADDICTED TEENS

When you're under 18, adults reserve the right to make decisions for
you -- especially when your life is spinning out of control. If a long
overdue and most welcome private member's bill passes the Alberta
legislature, then parents will have the legal power to force their
drug-addicted children into treatment and rehabilitation.

In no way should the bill, which was introduced by Red Deer MLA Mary
Anne Jablonski, be construed as an infringement on a child's civil
liberties. The very fact of being a child means there will inevitably
be restrictions on liberty when concerns about well-being take
precedence over the inherent assumption of freedom.

The Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act merely offers parents --
and government agencies serving as guardians -- the means to help
self-destructive kids. It doesn't suggest that a teen caught smoking a
joint immediately be packed off to rehab; rather, it means that kids
whose addictions have taken over their lives and devastated their
families can be made to get help.

If the promise of a young life is being destroyed by drugs, this bill
allows for the calling of assistance.

As with a similar Alberta law that allows for the mandatory detainment
of child prostitutes, Jablonski's bill is intended to help children
get their lives turned around.

The alternative is a terrible social cost of wasted lives, higher
young offender rates and the resultant burden on society. The sooner
this bill becomes law, the better.