NO: RUTH STARK, professional officer, British Association of SocialWorkers in Scotland
If you set up a contract in which part of it is that the drug user willnot start a family during the period of treatment, the real questionbecomes what is the sanction if the drug user fails that contract? Therestriction of benefits and public services does not help the unbornchild nor the people working with that family who make sure that thechildren are looked after properly. People are living on the povertyline as it is.
YES: Duncan McNeil, Labour MSP
Chaotic drug misuse and good parenting are incompatible and the priorityfor every local agency must be to protect and safeguard children. Acontract is needed that stresses a greater responsibility on the part ofthe addict, as well as promoting the rights of the child. Someone comingoff hard drugs should not start a family, as it is dangerous for themand for the child. If they can't look after themselves they can't lookafter a child. We expect these addicts to co-operate with a regime thataims to make them drug free.
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