BILL WILL HELP PARENTS HELP KIDS ON DRUGS

Desperate parents in Alberta whose drug-addicted children are destroying
their families may soon be able to obtain a court order forcing the
children into mandatory drug treatment.

"The prime purpose is to give parents a tool to be in control and help
their children," says Red Deer Tory legislature member Mary Anne Jablonski,
author of the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act, a private members bill.

"The bill doesn't treat such children as menaces, but as victims in need of
help."

Private member's bills usually stand little chance of passing, but
Jablonski's bill garnered widespread support in principle from all sides of
the legislature Monday as it passed second reading.

If the bill passes, Alberta would become the first Canadian province or
territory to introduce mandatory treatment. Currently, treatment in Alberta
can only be compelled if the addict commits a crime or is designated a
danger to themselves or others under the Mental Health Act.

The legislation would also apply to government agencies, such as the child
welfare branch, if they have guardianship of a child.