Pubdate: Sat, 22 Oct 2005 Source: National Post (Canada) Copyright: 2005 Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286 Author: CanWest News Service Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) BILL TO ALLOW FOR 'RESCUE' OF CHILDREN FROM DRUGS AT HOME CALGARY - The Alberta government will introduce legislation this spring to "rescue, defend and shelter" youth ensnared in drug-afflicted homes. The legislation -- which would be the first of its kind in Canada -- is to protect children exposed to parents participating in illegal drug activity, including abuse, production and trafficking. It would give the province the power to scoop youths from parents or guardians tied to drugs and allow the government to lay what's essentially child abuse charges under child welfare legislation. The province would provide a support system for children removed from a home. "It's a law to safeguard children from those who would abuse children through drugs," Premier Ralph Klein said. "It involves not only crystal meth, but crack cocaine and other harmful drugs." Mr. Klein also announced his government will form a task force -- headed by his wife, Colleen Klein, -- aimed at curbing the escalating abuse of crystal methamphetamine. Mr. Klein, who unveiled the strategy at his premier's dinner Thursday night in Red Deer, specifically targeted crystal meth, insisting tackling its abuse is a priority for his government over the next two years. Just last week, the government launched a television campaign as part of a public awareness strategy to deter youths from sampling crystal meth. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman