NEW HOPE FOR THE CHILDREN

Crack Cocaine

RE: 'Top cop makes crack Job 1' (Oct. 21)

On behalf of the often overlooked victims of the crack cocaine problem, we
wish Chief Brian Mullan much success in his efforts.

As this problem continues to escalate throughout our community, we have
seen a staggering increase in the number of children coming into foster care.

Like the various community partners mentioned in this article, the Catholic
Children's Aid Society and our sister society are also facing tremendous
shortages.

We are unable to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for foster homes.

We see many children removed from crack houses during a police raid or
newborn babies born to crack-addicted moms.

These children truly are the ultimate victims of the crack cocaine problem
yet their voices are seldom heard.

We commend Chief Mullan for identifying the gravity of the situation and
hope that by addressing the root cause, we may eventually see fewer
children in need of foster care.

Elaine Cox, Foster Care Recruitment Co-Ordinator,

Catholic Children's Aid Society of Hamilton