The problem has become so widespread that children's charity NCH hasdevised a course for social workers on placing these children.
Sue Cotton, NCH's adoption agency manager, said: "There certainly hasbeen an increase in young people where there has been substance misusein pregnancy. The key issue that we have is there is usuallydevelopmental uncertainty. That's what makes it difficult to find afamily."
NCH was told of the increase by its London project and Cotton knew ofthe issue in Leeds. Claire Shepherd, adoption team manager atStoke-on-Trent Council, said 60 to 70 per cent of children up foradoption in her area have drugs in their background.
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