-New centre for traumatized families on the way: MPP By IRENE GENTLE The Champion At least 1,000 Halton families trauma- tized by domestic violence or other con- flicts can expçct some relief by March, 2000, promised Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh. Milton is one of 22 areas selected to receive a new Supervised Access Centre, according to a recent provincial announcement. The new centre is expected to be up and running by early next spring. Access sites provide a saie, non-threatening and fully supervised environment for families torn apart by violence or other traumas. "They are designed around families that are under stress, such as there might be a violent background or a risk of abduction by one parent or another," explained Mr. Chudleigh. The exact location of the new site has not been determined. Milton was chosen to host the site after meeting cer- tain criteria. The base population, for example, had to be at least 100,000, which Halton Region easily exceeds. And since virtually all referrals to the access centres are made through the court system, at least 1,000 troubled families had to be before the area's family courts. The idea is that a family has a better chance of heal- ing its wounds when its members maintain frequent contact with one anbther, said Mr. Chudleigh. "The success rate of families and their ability to cope improves when they maintain as much of their family connection as possible," he said. "Supervised Access Centres help to reduce the emotional toll of family conflict on children and help them maintain healthy relationships with their parents." The procedure followed at the upcoming centre will vary according to individual circumstances. In some cases, both parents may visit with the child at one time. But in the case of violence, a staggered drop-off sys- tem will be enforced. Then, the custodial parent will leave the premises before the other parent arrives, preventing any violent interaction. Children need a strong sense of family and access centres can help provide that, said Mr. Chudleigh. "Children want to know that they have two parents and that their two parents love and need them," he said. "It is family values, absolutely." And supplying a safe place for families to meet may help avert future tragedies, he noted. "There are 1,000 families in the courts in this catch- ment area," he said. "Those are 1,000 potentially huge problems. I think it is one of the things that are need- ed."1 But Mr. Chudleigh denied that more than doubling the number of access centres in Ontario is a step toward a more compassionate government style. That's because compassion had been part of the Tory platform from the start. "I never accepted the criti- cism, quite frankly. I think the debate is quite silly." Currently there are 14 access sites in the province. The Canadian Champion. Tuesday, November 2. 1 99 Join Miss Canada. Mireitte tid mnember at GondLie M U fhINADSN CH CAVALIER 20111 GEGAKA 1EASE RATE UP T036MONTHS OR PURCHASE l'INANCING UP TO 48 MONTHS Value Pri cing [ 1 ffdN 7m4tni sso &« a cnror neck SetalsRECHARDSG MES HOUn S SERVICE HOURS CHEVRGLET-GLDSMGDILE Mon.-Thuros... . Omn*ns Mon.-Fn ..... S&mmpm Friday . mn-.pm Tues ........Bm saurday . .sn-M Saturday ..........antal"" HWY. 25 S. AT DERRY RD., MILTON I --.