Résumé
This presentation deals with the physical and emotional problems of children who have been prenatally exposed to drugs and/or alcohol. It addresses the problems of the mothers involved and the social services, foster care, and the treatments available.Statistics show that 350,000 to 500,000 drug-addicted babies are born annually. Medical professionals and administrators describe the mental and physical effects to the baby both before and after birth. With prevention and early intervention, drug babies can be salvaged from a life that would otherwise be fixed in failure. While concern for these babies is paramount, there must be equal concern for the chemically-addicted mothers. They often feel ashamed of their actions and need to develop a more positive self-image. Suggested approaches for handling these women both during and following pregnancy are discussed and demonstrated. The program explains thoroughly that proper treatment for both the mother and her child can help save future generations of children from addiction.