Pubdate: Tue, 14 Nov 2006
Source: Camrose Booster, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 The Camrose Booster
Contact:  http://www.camrosebooster.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2438
Author: Dan Jensen

DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN WORKSHOP NOVEMBER 17

What Happens to a Child's Physical and Emotional Health, Development, 
Safety and Learning When a Parent Is Involved in Drug Use?

That's a question Lorna Linda University associate professor of 
psychology and pediatrics Dr. Kiti Freier will be addressing when the 
Battle River Drug Response Task Force puts on a Drug Endangered 
Children workshop at the Moose Hall this Friday, November 17.

"She is internationally recognized for the work she has done," said 
Battle River Drug Response Task Force member Wendy Gregg.

The workshop, which will start at 9 a.m. and go until 4 p.m., will 
also feature presentations by community professionals who are aware 
of the local situation, including the manager of Children's Services.

"We want to alert people to the damage that happens to children as a 
result of the use of drugs in their homes or in their lives," said 
Gregg. "There are so many ways that children are impacted. It is 
really difficult to be an effective parent if you are under the 
influence of any kind of drug or alcohol."

The workshop is open to anybody who is concerned about kids.

"It is aimed first of all at people who have dealings with children 
and families, but we also want to direct it towards people who have a 
reason to go into homes, whether it is the delivery man, the garbage 
man, the police, or home visitation workers," said Gregg. "All of 
those people are in a position to see and identify problems that 
other people may never be aware of."

Those who cannot attend the full day workshop will have the 
opportunity to hear Dr. Freier speak on the impact of crystal meth 
and other drugs on children, their families and communities in a 7 to 
9 p.m. presentation at the Moose Hall Thursday, November 16.

The cost of attending is $10, however the fee will be waived for 
those who feel they cannot afford it.

The Battle River Drug Response Task Force was pleased to see the 
government implement a new act recently that allows Children's 
Services and police to intervene more readily into home situations 
where drugs are involved.

"It used to be that even though there was drugs, they still had to 
prove the child was damaged before they took him or her out of the 
home," said Gregg. "Now they don't have to necessarily take that second step."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine