Summerside youth addictions centre lauded by parents

P.E.I.'s new residential youth addictions centre in Summerside is getting good reviews from a group advocating for young people with addictions.

Andy-Lou Somers of the East Prince Women's Information Centre told CBC News she's been pushing government for a round-the-clock addictions centre for the past decade.

The new facility, which offers an 18-week live-in program for youth, opened six months ago in a renovated wing of Summerside's youth correctional centre. Somers walked through the new facility and heard about its programs Thursday.

"We always kind of felt there was something missing, in that the powers to be we spoke to just didn't get it, and I think I can say today, I think they got it," she said.

"From what I see with the programming here, we know it's going to work. It doesn't always necessarily work for everyone, but hopefully the majority will really come out of here with a new start on life."

The new centre includes 12 in-patient beds. That's an upgrade from the six-bed, eight-week day treatment program that was offered in Charlottetown.

Since the centre opened in April, 24 youth have gone through the program. Only one person has been referred for out-of-province treatment. That's compared to 10 last year, before the new centre was opened.