Pubdate: Wed, 01 Nov 2006
Source: Airdrie Echo (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Airdrie Echo
Contact:  http://www.airdrieecho.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1558
Author: Scott Mitchell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

CONFERENCE ADDRESSES DRUG TREATMENTS

Drug abuse and the problems associated with the debilitating 
addiction was on the mind of many in Alberta recently.

The first Canadian Association of Drug Treatment Courts national 
conference was held in Edmonton in October, with more than 400 
delegates and speakers in attendance. Canadian and U.S. judges, 
lawyers, academics, drug treatment court professionals, Aboriginal 
and community leaders, as well as representatives from law 
enforcement agencies and government, were on hand to lend their 
support and their views on the problem.

Drug treatment courts offer programs to assist people who are 
battling drug addictions and have been in trouble with the law. The 
first drug treatment court was established in Toronto in 1998. Since 
then, treatment courts have opened in Vancouver and Edmonton.

"Drug treatment courts help stop the revolving door of repeat 
offenders," said Darlene Wong, provincial court judge and conference 
planning chairperson. "These programs assist them to gain control of 
their addiction, find stable housing and begin a job or training program."

The conference was designed to increase understanding of drug 
treatment issues and find ways to help people stay clean.

"There is a significant public cost to drug abuse in Canada in terms 
of law enforcement, prosecution and incarceration," Minister of 
Justice and Attorney General Ron Stevens said in a press release. 
"This conference will increase our collective understanding of drug 
treatment issues and investigate ways to best help those with 
addictions stay clean and out of the justice system."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman