The Representative for Children and Youth , Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, is highlighting the need for government-funded programs following the death of a drug-addicted 15 year old boy on Vancouver Island last year. Her report into the death of Nick Lang, a Metis teen found hanging in the closet of a Campbell River care home 6 days after being admitted, notes his parents tried time and time again to get their son help for drug addiction. They finally resorted to having him charged after he assaulted his mother.
Appearing on CFAX 1070, BC's Deputy Respresentative for Children and Youth, Dawn Thomas-Wightman, says had there been a robust support system in place around substance use Nick may not have headed down the path he did. She says the RCY's office supports consideration of secure care legislation in B.C., something that would give the government the ability to apprehend youth and keep them in treatment against their will. Speaking about Turpel-Lafond, Thomas-Wightman says:
"She really strongly believes children and youth have a right to be safe and to access theraputic services. So, the civil liberties of young people can be protected when adults are doing what's in their best interest and when precautions are put in place".
Thomas-Wightman says legal advocacy for youth receiving those services is one of the necessary precautions.