Drug Court Expanding Program For Addicted Moms
The state’s largest drug court is expanding to begin treating drug addicted mothers in Shelby County and offer them a chance to be reunited with their children.
District Attorney General Amy Weirich announced the pilot program called “Born Addicted,” on Thursday and said this has the potential to do more than just enforce the law.
The Commercial Appeal reports that seven women are already enrolled in the program, which suspends criminal prosecution of drug charges while they participate in the 18-month Drug Court Treatment Program (http://bit.ly/y5gzy0 ).
While in the program, the newborns will be separated from their mothers and drug court advisers keep the Department of Children advised of their progress. Officials say regaining custody is possible for the mothers, but not guaranteed.
