Drug-addicted children unwilling to seek treatment and considered a danger to themselves or others could be detained for up to a year under proposed laws in South Australia.
The state government will introduce legislation to parliament on Thursday which provides the option of mandatory treatment as a last resort.
"What is critical is that we intervene in an effective manner to give the young person struggling with an addiction that best possible opportunity to break the addiction," Health Minister Stephen Wade said.
"This bill offers parents and these other agencies an opportunity of last resort when it is clear that the young person has refused to engage in treatment and there is a significant risk to their health and wellbeing.
"They are putting themselves at significant risk and are in need of medical treatment."
Under the new laws, the Youth Court will first determine if a young person is drug dependent, a danger to themselves or others and unlikely to voluntarily seek treatment.
The court can then order a period of mandatory treatment.
Mr Wade said the government understood the process was a substantial change to current arrangements and would consult widely with health, justice and child protection agencies to ensure the best possible arrangements were put in place.
He said the legislation would also be reviewed after three years.
Share
