Book reviews

Abstract

WHEN DRUG ADDICTS HAVE CHILDREN. Edited by Douglas J. Besharov. Child Welfare League of America, 1994, 271 pages.When Drug Addicts Have Children is an engaging compilation of wellwritten contributions by experienced government officials, program administrators, practitioners and scholars in the child welfare field. This collection attempts to examine the interface between illicit drug abuse and child welfare policy and treatment.The book is divided into four sections. Section one examines the recent epidemiology of drug abuse, the neighborhood environment where the increased need for foster care has been caused in part "... by the growing number of female drug abusers" (p.44), a critical examination of the bio-behavioral effects of drug abuse on children, and a think-piece which reconsiders the role of humane institutionalized placements as an alternative for saving victimized children. Section two provides an overview of treatment approaches under the umbrella of the public health model, examines barriers to treatment, and calls for improved research in the field of drug abuse. Section three opens with a review of the multiple problems children and their families experience (in addition to substance abuse), the often overwhelming burdens placed on the existing child welfare system (highlighting New York's child welfare response to the crack epidemic), the impact on African-American children in particular, and the inadequacy of current child protective legislation. Lastly, section four examines a range of current obstacles and potential alternatives to current child welfare strategies. These include advocating for better integration between child welfare programs and substance abuse treatment, endorsing more long-term placements and outcome monitoring, re-examining the criteria for terminating parental rights, shifting outcome measures from basic protections to enhancing child development, emphasizing the unique role of kinship care, and enhancing supports for legal guardians.The variety of the contributors' backgrounds and training results in a compilation that many readers will find generally satisfying. Exam- 1859