Pubdate: Sun, 10 Dec 2006 Source: Sunday Herald, The (UK) Copyright: 2006 Sunday Herald Contact: http://www.sundayherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/873 Author: Paul Hutcheon 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine