TASK FORCE TARGETS YOUTH FOR ADDICTION PREVENTION

Surrey must focus on preventing youth addiction if it hopes to
overcome the social ills that plague the city because of drug use,
says a task force struck to study drugs and crime.

The Drug-Crime Task Force was made up of representatives from all
levels of government and community agencies involved in drug and
alcohol treatment.

On Monday, the task force presented its findings to council. It found
more youth are using drugs and alcohol at an earlier age.

"We decided this should focus on children and youth. The people who
are selling drugs are targeting our youth," said task force chair,
Coun. Dianne Watts.

Watts said Surrey's efforts must concentrate on educating youth how to
avoid drug and alcohol abuse and teaching parents how to address those
issues with their kids.

While studies show most kids have a high degree of trust in
information they receive from their parents, when it comes to drugs,
most of what they get comes from their friends and in school.

"Parents need to take responsibility for providing their children with
this information and not leave it up to the schools or TV to do it,"
Watts wrote in her report.

The task force recommended teaching parents prevention techniques,
establishing a youth resource centre, increasing prevention programs
aimed at children six years and younger and programs for Surrey's
immigrant communities.

The report also calls for a strategic prevention, education and
enforcement program for the Surrey school district, including the use
of drug-sniffing dogs. The task force also called for better treatment
programs for Surrey youth.

There are only three youth detox beds from Burnaby to Boston Bar and
none are located in Surrey. Watts said more are needed and other ways
to get them have to be considered.

"We're having discussions with individuals who are talking about
putting private detox in Surrey," she said.

Coun. Barbara Steele also believes it's time the city acted to help
itself.

"I think it's time we started to act on things we know are
missing."

Newton resident Linda Tylor has lobbied City Hall for help in ridding
her neighbourhood of prostitutes, pimps and drug dealers. She applauds
the task force focus on prevention but says that won't fix the
problems she and her neighbours deal with now.

"I agree, catch the kids when they're young enough, but I still think
they have to go further."

Mayor Doug McCallum said the task force report will be useful as the
city begins work on a social plan he hopes will be completed in six
months.

"I think these recommendations will form a cornerstone of our social
plan. Once that's in place, we'll begin really lobbying to get
implementation."