DRUG TREATMENT OPTION FOR LAW-BREAKING KIDS?

City MP Suggests Drug Treatment Programs Instead of Jail Time

A city MP wants to change the Youth Criminal Justice Act to refer
youths accused of committing non-violent crimes to substance abuse
programs instead of jailing them.

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 to court.

News of the bill sent the spirits of Dawn, whose son is addicted to
crack and marijuana, soaring.

"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 abuse
treatment. Dawn, who does not want her family's last name used, says
the bill is a step in the right direction.

"As parents, there isn't anything we can do to help them make correct
decision about their addictions," said Dawn, a member of a grassroots
group called Parents Empowering Parents. "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."