Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is now regarded as one of the leading causes of mental retardation in the U.S. Children diagnosed as suffering from FAS have lifelong behavioral, intellectual and physical difficulties.

The underlying cause for the increasing rate of pediatric HIV is IV drug use by either the mother or her partner.

Many alcohol or drug-affected babies are not identified at birth.

Mothers' drug use and homelessness are the major reasons for the increase of "boarder babies" in many big city hospitals, and the growing shortage of certified foster homes.

Parental drug use is the single most often cited factor accounting for the dramatic increase in abuse and neglect cases.

Children born to substance-abusing mothers, or living with substance-abusing parents, need early identification and intervention. Prevention, intervention, and/or treatment services can prevent or reduce future problems for these children.

"The costs of social disruption are immeasurable if we compound the in-utero drug exposure of these infants by a childhood of the emotional deprivation associated with institutional guardianship. We cannot afford it." - W. Chavkin, 1990.

The number 1 goal for U.S. children, according to the National Education Goals issued by the White House and the governors of the states, is that all children enter kindergarten healthy, well fed, and that they come from a supportive home environment.

REFERENCES:

Center for Demographic Policy, "Women, alcohol, other drugs and pregnancy", National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Policy Statement, April 1990.

Phi Delta Kappa Research Bulletin, "The shadow children", July 1990.

Joseph Altheimer, Executive Director of the Institute for Families and Children, NY, Remarks to House Education and Labor Subcommittee, May 10, 1990.

W. Chavkin, "Drug addiction and pregnancy: Policy crossroads", American Journal of Public Health, April, 1990.

Center for Demographic Policy, "Drugs and babies", June 1991.

National Public Health and Hospital Institute, "Pediatric AIDS and hospital care in the U.S.", 1987, and Grady Hospital.

Office of Substance Abuse Prevention, Press Release, 1988.

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, "Cocaine use during pregnancy", Fact Sheet, 1989.

Ann P. Streissguth, et. al (1991). JAMA, 265: 1961-1967.