Pubdate: Fri, 31 Mar 2006
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2006 The Leader-Post Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Author: Veronica Rhodes
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

NEW DRUG DETOX ACT TAKES EFFECT TONIGHT

New legislation that gives parents and guardians the means to force 
drug-addicted youth into detoxification comes into effect this weekend.

"At midnight Friday night, the Paul Dojack Centre will have the 
opportunity to house children who require involuntary detoxification 
and stabilization," said Graham Addley, minister of healthy living services.

"It will be fully staffed and ready to go one minute after midnight 
Friday night."

Under the Youth Drug Detoxification and Stabilization Act, parents or 
guardians of youth aged 12 to 17 can ask a judge to assess them to 
determine whether they need involuntary care to stabilize their health.

"This specific piece of legislation and the program we're 
implementing April 1 is to be used as a last resort and for those 
that are really requiring a drastic intervention," Addley told 
reporters Thursday.

Parents or guardians can contact Healthline to speak to an addictions 
worker who will explain all their options, Addley said. The parent or 
guardian will then take their case before a judge and must show 
evidence that the child is suffering from a severe addiction, is an 
immediate danger to themselves or others, needs confinement for their 
own safety or to detoxify, and needs to be assessed by a doctor.

If the judge decides the youth is in need of assessment, two doctors 
will evaluate the youth's condition. The youth may be released to 
seek involuntary care.

If not, Addley said they may be given a community order to spend 30 
days living at home under certain restrictions or the youth may be 
given a five-day involuntary stay in a secure facility for 
detoxification, which could be renewed two times for a total stay of 
15 days. The youth may also receive a community order before or after 
an involuntary stay in the secure facility.

After completing the involuntary stay or community order, the youth 
will be encouraged to pursue further outpatient counseling or 
inpatient treatment in their health region.

The interim provincial secure youth detox centre has been set up in a 
separate unit at the Dojack Centre. Addley said construction on the 
permanent centre will begin in Saskatoon this fall with the 12 bed 
program possibly open next year.

Saskatchewan Party MLA Ted Merriman said while the involuntary 
treatment for youth is a start, it does not do enough to address 
long-term needs. He explained he would like to have seen more 
long-term treatment in place following the involuntary term, as well 
as treatment for the youth's family as well.

"Five days is a pretty small time frame in an addiction," said Merriman.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman