PUBLIC PULSE: SHOULD THE STATE TAKE CUSTODY OF CRACK BABIES?

This week we ask The Arizona Republic Readers Panel about the crack baby
who recently died in Phoenix.

QUESTION: Should the state take custody of newborns whose mothers use crack
or other harmful street drugs?

Tracee Hall

29, Project Manager, Phoenix

Newborns and children in general should definitely be taken out of the
custody of parents who are addicted to crack or other harmful drugs. When a
mother is addicted her primary concern is satiating her addiction rather
than the wellbeing of the child. Alternative living arrangements, such as
extended family members, should be considered first before putting the
child in foster care. The removal time from the home should depend on the
parent's ability to stay clean.

Dary Matera

46, Author, Chandler

Depends on the definition of "harmful street drugs." A mother strung out on
crack or heroin has no business with a child. On the other hand, you can't
have the state snatching a baby from a mom who smokes a joint, snorts a few
lines socially, or pops some meth to get through the day. Society has a
much bigger problem with mothers - and everybody else - who abuse alcohol
and cigarettes.

Chris Quigley

55, Community Volunteer, Tempe

A society's first responsibility is to its most vulnerable members. We need
to find a way to protect children born to those who are obviously incapable
of even the most minimum standard of care. On the other hand, where in our
strapped state budget will the money come from for the care of the child,
court expenses and maternal education and treatment? I wish I knew the answer.

Denise Resnik

41, Marketing And Public Relations, Paradise Valley

If a newborn tests positive for an illegal substance, the mother has
already proven herself unfit. For their own safety, these children must be
placed in foster homes until their birth mothers have proven they can live
a drug-free life. Too many children have been sacrificed in an idealistic
effort to protect the rights of mothers who are unwilling or unable to
overcome their addictions, or who simply do not care.

Bill Scott

57, Consultant, Glendale

I'm not sure if the state should automatically take custody of babies born
to mothers on crack when there may be other options to consider first. One
is to make a definitive determination that the mother and father are, in
fact, unfit due to drug abuse/addiction and/or a history of other
anti-social behaviors. Another option is to consider the availability and
appropriateness of other family members taking care of the baby and, if
necessary, raising it before the state steps in to take custody.

Alvin Vasicek

57, State Administrator, Mesa

Public outrage over dead babies with pre-or postnatal exposure to crack
cocaine is cheap to come by. Punishing parents who do things like this is
after the fact makes the public feel better about itself. What is in short
supply is a willingness by the public to act constructively to solve social
problems. Public outrage needs to be replaced by a public that desires to
become informed, is proactive regarding social problems, and will not allow
the media and politicians to use issues like this to further their purposes.

Feliciano Vera

25, Consultant, Phoenix

No. Despite the tragic consequences of drug use during pregnancy, that
conceptual policy violates basic personal freedoms. Such logic opens the
door to state intervention in other situations in which behavioral risks
endanger the health of a child. Will we then require state custodial
intervention for children of smokers or alcoholics?

Annette Zaccari

42, Counselor & Psychotherapist, Phoenix

It saddens me that a mother would choose drugs and crack over the wellbeing
of her child. When it comes to addiction you are dealing with the addict
and the mother is no longer available. The state needs to protect the one
who does not have a choice - the child. The mother in these circumstances
is giving up her right to parent her child if she makes the choice to use
drugs. We have a responsibility to protect children.