An organization which focuses on helping people who find themselves in the underbelly of society sides with the concept of introducing education on substance abuse in the very early grades but says teachers cannot do it all.
The Child Death Review Committee has recommended that government incorporate such a program into the K-3, or primary, level.
Dan McGettigan, the executive director of Turnings, commends the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association for endorsing the recommendation.
McGettigan says there’s no short-term fix to reduce the prevalence of drugs, weapons, violence and homelessness but the schools are a good place to start. He says it’s a good idea to send professionals such as social workers and others into the schools.
“That way they can work with the students and also work with the parents at home,” says McGettigan.
“At least that would make a dent because we can’t just throw up our hands – we have to do something about it.”
He told VOCM Open Line with Brian Callahan that we have to take a deep dive into restorative justice because it makes no sense to have people locked up if they would be better served by doing programming and availing of treatment.
He also says the situation at HMP is not good with inmates, many of whom are on remand, double and triple bunking.
