Parents in Alberta, Canada will now be able to compel their kids to attend drug detox programs if approved by a provincial court, thanks to the passing of The Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act on the first of July. Eight successful applications have already been granted in Calgary, with more likely to follow. It is aimed at alcohol- and drug-using children who are at risk of endangering themselves or others, and can be utilised by either parents or legal guardians.
Although some supporters of the bill, tabled by Red Deer MLA Mary Anne Jablonski in October 2005, wanted a 90 day-length detox period, only five days was eventually granted. While disappointed, they thought it was better than nothing and gave support to parents who have lost control. Chris Uttley of Parents Empowering Parents thought that it would at least give the kids “a chance to start thinking clearly”.
Time will tell how this move might affect the future relationship between these kids and parents, considering the compulsion involved. I also wonder how strong a possibility there is in the future that some parents might just see this as an opportunity to avoid responsibility for upholding a strong relationship by offloading their own troubles, even if temporarily, onto the state.