DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN WORKSHOP NOVEMBER 17

What Happens to a Child's Physical and Emotional Health, Development,
Safety and Learning When a Parent Is Involved in Drug Use?

That's a question Lorna Linda University associate professor of
psychology and pediatrics Dr. Kiti Freier will be addressing when the
Battle River Drug Response Task Force puts on a Drug Endangered
Children workshop at the Moose Hall this Friday, November 17.

"She is internationally recognized for the work she has done," said
Battle River Drug Response Task Force member Wendy Gregg.

The workshop, which will start at 9 a.m. and go until 4 p.m., will
also feature presentations by community professionals who are aware
of the local situation, including the manager of Children's Services.

"We want to alert people to the damage that happens to children as a
result of the use of drugs in their homes or in their lives," said
Gregg. "There are so many ways that children are impacted. It is
really difficult to be an effective parent if you are under the
influence of any kind of drug or alcohol."

The workshop is open to anybody who is concerned about kids.

"It is aimed first of all at people who have dealings with children
and families, but we also want to direct it towards people who have a
reason to go into homes, whether it is the delivery man, the garbage
man, the police, or home visitation workers," said Gregg. "All of
those people are in a position to see and identify problems that
other people may never be aware of."

Those who cannot attend the full day workshop will have the
opportunity to hear Dr. Freier speak on the impact of crystal meth
and other drugs on children, their families and communities in a 7 to
9 p.m. presentation at the Moose Hall Thursday, November 16.

The cost of attending is $10, however the fee will be waived for
those who feel they cannot afford it.

The Battle River Drug Response Task Force was pleased to see the
government implement a new act recently that allows Children's
Services and police to intervene more readily into home situations
where drugs are involved.

"It used to be that even though there was drugs, they still had to
prove the child was damaged before they took him or her out of the
home," said Gregg. "Now they don't have to necessarily take that second step."