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New law first in Canada to protect children from drug activity
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October 26, 2006
Children exposed to serious drug activity, such as manufacturing and trafficking, will soon benefit from additional protection under a new law that takes effect November 1, 2006. The legislation is the first of its kind in Canada.
The Drug-endangered Children Act makes it clear that a child exposed to serious drug activity is a victim of abuse and needs protection. The legislation deals with specific drug activity, such as trafficking (selling illegal drugs) and manufacturing — particularly crystal methamphetamine labs and indoor marijuana grow operations.
Related information:
Under the new law, child intervention caseworkers and police will be able to rescue and protect children based solely on the fact they are drug-endangered. This is in response to research that has found these children are at high risk for:
- chronic respiratory disorders,
- neurological damage,
- cancer, and
- physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
It is expected that the legislation will result in an increase in the number of people who report this type of abuse.
More information
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