FORCED TREATMENT FOR CHILD ADDICTS PROPOSED

Winnipeg -- Manitoba parents seeking help for their drug-addicted
children would be able to force them into treatment under a bill
tabled yesterday in the legislature. Children under 18 would be
assessed by specialists, who would then decide whether they should be
detained for up to seven days.

Healthy Living Minister Theresa Oswald said the bill would be a
valuable last resort for parents and guardians who feel like they are
at the end of their rope. John Borody, chief executive of the
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, said the law would give young
people an entry point into treatment.