Pubdate: Thu, 24 Mar 2005
Source: Western Leader (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2005, Independent Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,0a1500,FF.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2237
Author: Melanie Glover
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DRUG'S NEW VICTIMS

A growing number of grandparents are taking custody of youngsters
whose parents are methamphetamine addicts.

Latest police figures show crackdowns on the drug's suppliers and
manufacturers have resulted in the discovery and closure of numerous
laboratories in west Auckland. But a group representing grandparents
in the area says the problem is far from solved. The Waitakere branch
of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust says 100 per cent of
its referrals in November, December and January were drug related.

Committee member Dominique Young says methamphetamine, or P, is "still
a huge issue".

"The problem of P in west Auckland is not diminishing," Ms Young
says.

"It's the same old story. P is the primary problem in our community as
far as parenting breakdown is concerned.

"There is a huge need in our community for grandparents to be
intervening."

Ms Young says taking responsibility for grandchildren is a big
step.

"It's such a cost - emotionally and financially. As you get older the
emotional cost gets harder to bear.

"It puts a huge strain on family relationships. It's ongoing stress
and drama."

She says the trust is keen to help.

"It's an isolated job for grandparents who don't know about us," Ms
Young says. "It is really important that we can be there right from
the start."

P has been linked to a number of high profile and violent
crimes.

The drug is highly addictive and users have been known to go to any
lengths to get it, including prostitution and burglary.

Many Maori communities, including those in west Auckland, are
promoting a zero tolerance stance towards the drug.
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MAP posted-by: Derek