Pubdate: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 Source: Guardian, The (CN PI) Copyright: 2010 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated Contact: http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174 Author: Doug Gallant YOUTH ADDICTION AND CRIME KEY ISSUE FOR NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL Attorney General Doug Currie says many of the issues that were foremost in his mind as minister of Health continue to be primary issues for him in his new post. Speaking to the annual general meeting of P.E.I. Crime Stoppers Wednesday, Currie noted, for example, that in his former portfolio he was closely involved with the development of the P.E.I. Youth Substance Use and Addiction Strategy. "In developing that strategy we were acutely aware that for approximately 60 to 70 per cent of youth who come into conflict with the law, substance abuse is either a direct or indirect factor in their offending behaviours," Currie said. "By that I mean that these offenders are either under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they commit their offence or they commit the offence to gain access to money for alcohol or drugs." By working across departments and developing a multitude of strategies that address the needs of young people, the minister said the province hopes to effectively deal with the issues of addiction. In his first official speech as attorney general Currie said that since April 2008 his office has obtained over $500,000 from Justice Canada's National Anti-Drug Strategy to work on the issue of youth addiction and crime. The department has hired a full-time youth justice addictions manager and a part-time addiction community youth worker. "We have also recently hired a training specialist, who is developing a staff training program that will include practices around screening, assessment, treatment, case management and relapse prevention." The training specialist will co-ordinate the delivery of this program to 400 staff members from the office of the attorney general and public safety, health and wellness, education, community services and non-governmental organizations. "Ultimately we want to see fewer young people in conflict with the law, fewer instances of young offenders re-offending and fewer young people moving through the youth justice system and progressing into the adult correctional system." Currie said crime prevention and community safety are not issues that can be addressed in isolation. "No single agency, organization or government department can achieve lasting progress in this field without working closely with other groups and building strong networks of co-operation and mutual support." The minister said Crime Stoppers is one of those all-important hubs that brings together a diverse range of individuals and organizations that share the common goal of building strong communities. "When it comes to community safety, individuals often feel helpless and fearful, and can be anxious about speaking out," Currie said. "Crime Stoppers provides an invaluable means for those who feel vulnerable in the face of crime and violence to contribute to crime prevention and the justice system as a whole." - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart