Grieving mother pleads with government to support Safe Care Act

A Squamish, B.C., mother is hoping other mothers don’t have to live through the pain she has. Brenda Doherty, whose 15-year-old daughter, Steffanie Lawrence, died of an overdose a few weeks ago, is imploring the B.C. government to support the Safe Care Act.

“If the Safe Care Act was in place prior to January 22 my daughter might still be alive,” said Doherty, fighting through tears. “If I was able to put her in a drug and rehab centre, I would have done that. But everywhere I turned I was told I couldn’t do that.”

WATCH: Squamish family calls for changes after daughter dies of opioid overdose

2:01 Squamish family calls for changes after daughter dies of opioid overdose

Opposition B.C. Liberal MLA Jane Thornthwaite introduced the legislation on Wednesday. What the Safe Care Act would do is give parents the legal right to allow parents of young teens to step in and force them to undergo treatment.

Lawrence went to Lions Gate Hospital in January, in the throes of an addiction. Her mother said she was begging her daughter to come home but was discharged by herself and given a bus pass. She died of a drug overdose soon after. Doherty tried to get her daughter involuntarily enrolled in a treatment program.

“This important piece of legislation will not only help at-risk youth, but their families as well,” says Thornthwaite. “This act will help young people find safe spaces so they can recover from substance abuse, sexual or domestic violence, or mental health issues.”

WATCH: Community rallies behind campaign to have young addicts forced into care

1:45 Community rallies behind campaign to have young addicts forced into care

The private member’s bill would need the support of the majority of the legislature in order to clear the first hurdle towards becoming law in British Columbia.

Shaun Lawrence, Steffanie’s father, started a petition to demand the B.C. government pass Bill M 240, the Safe Care Act. The petition has already been signed by more than 8,000 people.