NEARLY 400 HELPED BY DRUG LEGISLATION FOR KIDS

When it was first introduced a year ago this month, the Protection of
Children Abusing Drugs Act caused a stir amongst Albertans. The
legislation, which officially became law on July 1, 2006, gave parents
the ability to force their children into rehab for drug and alcohol
related addictions.

The Alberta Civil Liberties Association said the law could be
dangerous, while others praised its ability to provide children who
refuse treatment and support with the help they needed.

Over the past year, 395 families have accessed the support provided by
the program, with 229 of those voluntarily continuing their treatment.

"One of the most difficult moments.was a mom who came up to me and
thanked me," said Mary Anne Jablonski, MLA for Red Deer North, who
introduced the private member's Bill. "But her daughter died, and her
comment was if the program was in place sooner, she believes that her
daughter may still be alive today."

Jablonski introduced the Bill in 2004 in hopes of giving parents
everything at their disposal to provide help for their children.

"I always believe that it is important for parents to be able to do
whatever they need to do to help their children, especially those who
are addicted to drugs or alcohol," she said.

Jablonski is a mother herself, with three grown children, and five
grandchildren.

"I feel that I'm lucky that I haven't had to access anything like
this, (but) I've had many friends and other family members that could
have used something to help them in their battle against
addictions."

When children are brought to one of the five safe houses across
Alberta, they spend a maximum of five days receiving support from
workers. Upon release from the safe house, children are then asked to
continue their treatment on a voluntary basis.

"I am pleased at how many receive voluntary services, as it reinforces
the stance that treatment is a process that takes time and commitment
in order to be successful," said Silvia Vajushi, Executive Director,
District and Youth Services for Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission.

Vajushi said the effectiveness of the program relies strongly on
parental support.

"We are seeing evidence that the more involved parents are for the
five days and afterward, the more successful the outcome. This speaks
to the need for parents to stay involved with their children's lives."

Additionally, Vajushi said children "adjust quite well" when first
brought in, and that they form relationships with staff and reconnect
with their parents.

Jablonski said she's thrilled with the result of the first year, and
hopes to improve the program by extending the detoxification period
another four to five days, and change the appeal process that children
can initiate before being entered into treatment.

"Every youth has the right to appeal the decision to the judge and
there is no regulation in place that says that when the appeal is
happening, the parents need to be contacted," she explained. "So what
happens is the youth goes in front of the judge by themselves, so the
judge doesn't hear the other side of the story."

Jablonski hopes to move forward with these changes while still content
with the program as it is.

"I'm hoping that there's a better future out there for kids that
access this program."

Anyone looking for more information on the treatment service or in
need of help can call AADAC.