KIN OF ADDICT TEEN TO RECEIVE $150GS

The family of a drug-addicted teen will get $150,000 from Ontario's
health ministry because a shortage of beds forced the boy into a U.S.
treatment program at his parents' expense.

The win means other families who can't access the paltry 10 beds
assigned for addicted teens in Ontario could also be entitled to
compensation, the family's lawyer said yesterday.

'Not Best Way'

"This case is basically an acknowledgment that there are no
residential drug treatment programs for adolescents in Ontario," said
lawyer David Baker, who won the settlement on behalf of a 15-year-old
boy and his parents.

"Obviously, sending adolescents out of the country is not the best way
of treating them for drug addiction."

The first round of the case was settled in September, but Baker said
he's awaiting a decision on another $35,000 claim for detoxification
payments, which could push the family's settlement to $185,000.

Challenge

The ministry says it will respond to that request -- now before its
Health Services Appeal Review Board -- by next Friday.

Baker, who was set to launch a constitutional challenge on the boy's
behalf, said the settlement should convince the government to start
putting money into treating teenagers.

As many as 400 teens aged 13 to 17 require residential treatment
services each year in the province.