DRUG TREATMENT IS CORE ISSUE

I applaud your coverage of the tragic death of Anndreah Robertson, of the
inadequate protection afforded by Child Protective Services, and of the
need for further legislation defining when abuse of a child actually starts
if the mother is abusing drugs and alcohol.

However, you are missing the mark concerning this baby's death.

Let's assume that CPS had taken the child away. Anndreah's mother still has
the opportunity to have another drug-addicted baby - she is nine months
pregnant.

Anndreah's mother, Demitres Robertson, had previously been arrested on drug
and prostitution charges. The problem is she was released with the same
drug problem she was arrested with. The core issue is Demitres and her drug
use.

I had to be arrested and released four times before my last sentencing
judge recommended I complete the Salvation Army's Harbor Light Program, a
six-month drug treatment program that was a lot cheaper than sending me to
prison.

That sentencing option no longer exists. Harbor Light closed two years ago
due to lack of funding. While there I saw close to 30 drug-free babies born
to mothers like Demitres.

Ask any Superior Court justice: Long-term residential treatment is
desperately needed. How many babies could have been saved in these past two
years? Maybe one.

Jeff Taylor

Phoenix