PARENTS ASSISTED BY NEW CHILD-DRUG ACT

As of July 1, parents who are at the end of their rope when it comes
to ending their child's drug problem, can seek assistance through the
Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD).

Under the new legislation, parents or guardians can apply to the
provincial court to have a youth placed in a protective safe house
for up to five days.

However, it's not a guarantee that those who request it, get it.

"Call AADAC (Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission) first. Their
needs and the child's needs could be determined," Darlene Gartner,
senior manager of Children Accessing Drugs - Youth Services Branch
for AADAC said.

She added AADAC counsellors would determine what course of action
should be taken.

They would decide if the child has endangered themselves or others
through their drug use.

For Edson and area residents, the nearest safe houses are in Edmonton
and Grande Prairie.

While under court-ordered confinement, AADAC provides detoxification
services, assess for the abuse of drugs and alcohol, and works with
the child and parent/guardian to develop voluntary treatment plan
after the child leaves the protective safe house.

As the Edson Court House has limited staff hours, parents may have to
make the trip to Hinton for court services.

The new act is for youth under 18.

Edith Zuidhof-Knoop, Edson AADAC area supervisor, said there would be
no increase in staffing or workload for her office, but Gartner said
personnel in the local office would likely undergo PChAD training.

"Youth addictions are a growing concern in our communities," AADAC
board chairperson and Calgary Lougheed MLA Dave Rodney said.

"Specialized programs and services already exist for youth, but under
the new law it will be the first time a young person can be ordered
into detox for addictions services through a non-criminal avenue.
This new measure will create an opportunity for recovery when
children are unable or unwilling to seek help."

Red Deer - North MLA Mary Jablonski introduced the legislation as a
Private Member's bill.

It received Royal Assent on May 20, 2005.