LAW WOULD SEND KID CRIMINALS TO REHAB

A city MP wants to change the Youth Criminal Justice Act so teens
accused of non-violent crimes can be shipped to drug rehab programs.

Edmonton-Mill Woods-Beaumont MP Mike Lake's bill would give cops the
option of referring first-time offenders or kids who commit
non-violent crimes to a drug treatment program. And if the child
doesn't complete the program, cops could send him or her to court.

"Everybody recognizes we have a huge challenge with youth crime and
youth substance abuse, and I think they go hand-in-hand," said Lake
from his Ottawa office. "The challenge is how do you compel a kid to
get treatment?"

Lake said the bill is a step toward solving the problem and part of
the government's promise to toughen the YCJA.

He added that kids rarely turn to treatment programs for help on their
own.

News of the bill lifted the spirits of Dawn, whose son is addicted to
crack and marijuana. "As a parent, we're just sinking," said the mom.
"We only want to do what we can to help our children."

Lake says a number of parents have contacted their MPs asking if there
is a way to compel their children to undergo drug treatment.

Dawn, a member of the grassroots group Parents Empowering Parents,
says the bill is a step in the right direction.

"As parents, there isn't anything we can do to help them make the
correct decision about their addictions. Any time you can make some
changes and not put them in jail is good."

And while courts can impose orders on children, kids often don't live
up to them, said Dawn.

"Nobody wants to see a young kid go to jail and throw his life away.
At least this gives them consequences."