![]() Mental Health and Addiction Minister Williams referenced Portugal and Massachusetts in his public response. However, a paper in the McGill Journal of Health Law argues, “ in the provinces where youth secure care legislation does not exist, mental health institutionalization and the youth criminal justice system tends to fill in the gaps where other social and health services fail.” įor example, a 2018 paper based on the British Columbia context argues, “ Although secure care may prove effective for select youth with strong supports, the evidence for mandatory treatment is weak.” The paper notes a meta-analysis indicating lack of “significant improvements in substance use during or after treatment.” The paper cautions against the risk of overdose post-release. The evidence about its effectiveness is mixed. These are Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. “secure care” - is already in the books for youth in at least seven provinces in Canada. While this appears like a novel idea, there is evidence it has been around from at least the second half of the 19 th century. Given the public debate - frustrations by some parents and guardians who have tried all they could and profound concerns of harm reduction advocates and professionals - the question is: Does involuntary treatment work? What or where is the evidence? One advocate for harm reduction noted that “ Forced treatment is not a service provision it’s just incarceration by another name. The idea behind the proposed legislation is to “ give police and family members or legal guardians of drug users the ability to refer adults and youth into involuntary treatment if they pose a risk to themselves and others. Photo by David Bloom / Postmedia Article contentĪlberta Premier Danielle Smith’s mandate letter to M inister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams, asks for an “ Alberta Model ” and a directive to “ develop compassionate intervention legislation, supporting facilities and legal processes to save the lives of those who are a danger to themselves or others.” ![]() Join the conversation Edmontonians gather outside the Alberta Legislature during a rally calling for the Province to move to a safe supply and safe consumption model instead of forced rehabilitation for Albertan's experiencing drug addictions, in Edmonton Monday June 26, 2023.
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