ALBERTA ACT HAS SEEN 18 REQUESTS FOR CHILD DRUG DETOX

Since July 1, when the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act
(PCADA) came into place, parents have filed 18 requests to enter
youngsters into a detox centre.

None of those requests have come from the Edson-Hinton
area.

Some pundits refer to the act as a last resort for parents, but an
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) official doesn't
like the moniker.

"It's another option rather than a last resort," Tom Mountain,
residents manager for AADAC's youth services branch said.

Parents who feel they must proceed with action through the PCADA must
first pick up a form at their local court house. They then must appear
before a judge who will either approve or deny the request. If the
request is approved, the youngster is sent to a safe house in either
Edmonton, Red Deer or Grande Prairie, where they remain for five days.

Asked if 18 cases was the number he was expecting at this point,
Mountain said it was hard to say as the program was in its infancy.

"We didn't really have projections as this was done for the first
time."

For more information on the program visit your local court house or
contact Alberta Children's Services, toll-free, by dialing 310-0000
then (780) 427-4801.