DRUG ADDICTS TO SIGN GOOD BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS FOR METHADONE

THE SCOTTISH Executive is considering the introduction of contracts
for drug-addicted parents as a way of protecting vulnerable
children, the Sunday Herald has learned.

Health minister Andy Kerr is "investigating" options for formalising
the responsibilities to be met by addicts in exchange for treatment.

Measures being weighed up include compulsory drug testing and other
commitments to wean parents off illegal substances.

The change of approach is the latest intervention in the ongoing
debate on how the state should deal with addicts and their children.

Around 60,000 Scots children live with parents who have a drug
problem, a situation which causes damage to their education and life chances.

More than 300 babies are born addicted to heroin and other illegal
substances every year in Scotland.

These statistics prompted Labour MSP Duncan McNeil to call for
contraceptives to be placed in addicts' methadone as a way of
stopping them having children.

He later backed the idea of contracts that would require addicts to
commit to not starting a family.

In a letter to McNeil, the health minister ruled out his colleague's
methadone proposal, but added: "You may also be interested to know
that we are investigating the possibility of developing contracts
with drug-using parents, so that they are clear about their
responsibilities, the consequences of their actions and the support
and treatment they will receive in return."

The Sunday Herald also understands the Executive has set up a
sub-group, as part of its sexual health strategy, to look at the use
of long-acting reversible contraception.

However, the substance of any contract for addict parents is likely
to cause tension in the current coalition.

LibDem ministers were ghast at McNeil's original proposals and are
sceptical of punitive measures that could result in more children
being taken into care.

But their Labour colleagues look set to push for the contracts to
bind addicts to guarantees on drug tests, as well as a commitment to
becoming drug-free. An internal Labour policy document on the
subject makes the case for a tougher approach than currently practised.

It reads: "Parents should also be clear that if they do not meet
their responsibilities to care for their children, then compulsory
measures may be used to secure alternatives which better meet
children's needs."

McNeil last night welcomed the Executive's consideration of addict
contracts. "I am very pleased, as it confirms the direction of
travel is in favour of looking at the responsibilities of addicts,"
he said. "We are now treating this issue seriously."

Professor Neil McKeganey, director of the centre for drug misuse
research at Glasgow University, also backed Kerr's stance. McKeganey
has previously called for a pilot study to evaluate the outcome of
giving heroin to addicts on prescription. "It is very positive that
the health minister has responded in this way, as it's entirely
appropriate that we are as clear as we can be with addict parents,"
McKeganey said. "Parental drug addiction harms children."

A spokesman for the Executive confirmed ministers are looking at
contracts for addict parents.