Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Where is the love for the children of convicted drug users?

We all know from Nancy Reagen's infamous anti-drug campaign "Just Say No To Drugs" that we should just say NO, however, today oftentimes, this is not the case. Drugs are so common that, you or someone you know is either somehow involved with, has tried, or is using drugs (even as we speak). This drug epidemic effects us all in some way, especially the children of drug addicts. That is the main idea behind the 2005 HB 946 bill passed by the Texas Legislature by Rep Miller. This law was designed to protect children by removing them from their care giver found using drugs.
The commentary claims the HB 946 law has not been researched before it was signed into law, and even now, 5 yrs later. He brings up the question of how many children have been effected by this law, and what are we doing to help them. Are we simply removing them or are we helping them. After reading about the law, I totally agree. The HB 946 bill a good idea? I would say "YES." A really good idea, children should never be exposed to drugs, especially from their parents. However, just writing a good bill without detailed research could possibly lead to more problems down the line for us all. More so, how we are helping these kids. In all reality, foster homes are a wonderful blessing, and a great idea, but, if that's all we are doing is placing them them in a 'temporary' home, we are not really fixing the issue. I'm not trying to down the whole foster care system, but, truth be told, there are some foster homes out there who are only out there for the extra money it brings in their household. Loving, nurturing, and caring for these traumatized kids may not be an option, therefore, society ends up paying a BIG price down the line when these ill-forgotten kids turn out like their parents.
I feel like our legislatures need to spend more time researching the ends and outs of all laws they pass, especially laws which effect our children. Someone needs to be the advocate for these forgotten children and try to stand up for a reliable solution. Taking them out of the home without a plan to actually fix the issue is only a train wreck waiting to happen.

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