Impact Of Crack Cocaine On The Child Welfare System

Abstract: This hearing discusses the extent of damage caused by crack cocaine against children and their families. Topics include: the prevalence and consequences of prenatal exposure to cocaine; the treatment of crack-addicted mothers; the effect of cocaine on the caseloads and operations of a Child Welfare Agency; services available to drug-involved families; issues concerning crack children in the child protection, foster care, and adoption systems; whether current Federal Child Welfare laws are adequate to address this drug problem; and current State efforts to punish drug-abusing women, and the implication of sanctions for the mother and her children.

Abstract: This report summarizes what is known about the use and abuse of cocaine and its derivative, crack-cocaine. The effects of cocaine and crack are examined. Its also describes how U.S. social service and public health systems interact with cocaine-using parents and their drug-exposed children, and provides examples of model programs that have been developed to cope with these problems.

Based on on-site interviews with over 200 respondents in 12 metropolitan areas, including: child welfare administrators and caseworkers, hospital and social service staff, private agency representatives, foster parents, state and local officials, and national experts. Conclusion: "the use of cocaine and other illegal substances is pervasive in women of child-bearing age." Chilling!