CFK Reports From: The Impact of Meth on Foster Care, Children, and Families
Event: Panel Discussion
Organized By: Generations United
Where/When: June 8, 2006; Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC

The discussion at this congressional briefing on the impact of methamphetamine abuse on foster care, children, and families paid special attention to the role being played by grandparents who step forward to become legal guardians for children who are removed from their homes due to a parent's methamphetamine abuse.

Caitlin Crane of Portland, Oregon has put homelessness and addiction behind her, and is reaching for a bright future with her young son. With help from a non-profit dedicated to steering teen mothers towards success, Crane is beating the odds, and reaching out to help other young mothers do the same. Linda Baker asked Crane to talk about what teen moms need to get ahead.

The mission of the American Lung Association of West Virginia is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.

Nearly 2 million children under age 18 have a father in prison, and nearly 200,000 have an incarcerated mother. Most incarcerated adults (nearly 1.7 million of the 2 million in jail or prison) have a serious drug or alcohol problem, but few receive any help for it. This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Web cast explores innovative strategies that are helping the justice and child welfare systems meet the needs of parents and children to reduce child abuse and neglect, and prepare families for reunification.

Babies born suffering the effects of their mothers' use of illegal drugs often suffer further from poor parenting. In Dallas, Texas, an intensive program helps mothers be better parents to their drug-affected children, with benefits to both. Esther Bauer reports on New Connections.

Few children grow up to be violently aggressive, but those who do tend to have physically abusive parents, or are victimized by peers according to this longitudinal study from Harvard University. Race, gender and family income had little effect on kids' likelihood of fighting, lashing out against peers, or attacking with weapons. But children who are physically punished at home and are socially withdrawn, distressed in new situations, and anxious about making new friends are at high risk for aggression.

More than 2 million children across the country are being raised by relatives because their parents can't provide adequate care. Many of these kids are there because of a parent's alcohol or drug problem. Caitlin Johnson explores this issue, and a new training series that may help.

Most kids do not take drugs—and the number of those who do has been declining since the mid-1990s. Still, kids face risks from drugs, alcohol and tobacco—often because the "user" is an adult responsible for caring for them. Learn about successful prevention efforts and how stable and involved adults can make a difference in our Substance Abuse topic page.

Search for information on a particular drug of abuse, and review the latest public service announcements and press releases from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The Partnership works to reduce the demand for drugs in America through media communication. Visit their site for the latest news and research, information for parents and teens, personal stories of recovery, treatment and prevention and more.