PChAD.pdf

PChAD Regulation.pdf

Alberta Health Services - Protection of Children Using Drugs (PChAD) Program

Provincial coordinator: **1-888-844-5395

Call coordinator to:

• Give notice of an application for a PChAD order
• Inform of judge’s decision regarding the order (granted or not granted)
• Place bed on hold

The Protection of Children Using Drugs (PChAD) Act is an Alberta law that helps children under the age of 18 whose use of alcohol or drugs will likely cause significant psychological or physical harm to themselves or others. The PChAD program allows legal guardians to ask the court for a PChAD Protection Order for the child. The Protection Order means that the child will be taken involuntarily to a Protective Safe House for up to 15 days for detoxification, stabilization, and assessment.

Accessing PChAD Program

1. Guardian Meets with AHS Addiction Counsellor
   1. Complete pre-application information session
   2. Obtain letter of attendance to submit to court clerk
2. Guardian Files Application at Court
   1. Fill out application
   2. See court clerk
   3. Receive court date
   4. Call PChAD 1-888 phone line **
   5. Fill out Affidavit

• 2 Day Wait -

1. Guardian Presents Case to Judge
   1. If order is granted remain at the courthouse to obtain a copy of the protection order from the court clerk
   2. Call PChAD 1-888**
2. Guardian Contacts 1-888**
   1. Next available & appropriate bed will be placed on hold
   2. If bed is available can begin transportation plans as discussed with 1-888
   3. If bed is not immediately available follow the instructions provided by 1-888. Do not drop off order to police until 1-888 informs you that a bed is available
3. Youth Enters PChAD Program
   1. Protective Safe House (PSH) staff/Addiction Counsellor (AC) will connect with guardian
   2. Protection Order can be reviewed by youth, guardian, AHS or other which could result in a shorter or longer stay
   3. Individual and family counselling completed for the assessment