As the drug problems continue to grow in this country, so do the number of children coming into the foster care system. With “meth” use and manufacturing on the rise, the foster care system will continue to struggle with the demands of meeting the needs of the children affected by the drugs.

When a meth house or manufacturing house is raided by law enforcement officers, it has become a common thing finding 3, 4 or more children living there The truth is that drugs have become a part of this country so, we have to find a way to deal with the effects of the drugs.

Children being exposed to drugs, babies born addicted, drug testing parents, and parents needing rehab for drug addictions are a major component of Child Welfare in this day and age.

Drugs are destroying the lives of families and leaving children without parents. A generation of children are growing up without parents because of addiction to drugs. Drugs bring so many more negative elements into the lives of children. Children are exposed to prostitution, physical or sexual abuse, violence, some are coerced into breaking the law for the parents, and some become the caretakers to the addicted parents because their parents are unable to put their children’s needs before their drug addiction.

The foster care system needs to look for permanent solutions to the rising numbers of children coming into care instead of letting children stay in child welfare offices or hotels. These problems are not going away so the sooner we face them the sooner we are able to address the needs of the children.

Are more drug rehabs for the parents of children in foster care the answer? Should the foster care system ensure that the parents are remaining off drugs after the children are returned to ensure the safety of the children? Do mothers that repeatedly give birth to infants born addicted or exposed to drugs have the right to parent these children? How do we not allow drugs to destroy the lives of children?

Please share your thoughts and ideas below.

More reading:

“Meth” The Number One Problem of Child Welfare Services

Reform for the Foster Care System is Being Called For Part 1