Pledge Sought From Addict Parents

Drug-taking parents will be asked to sign contracts with treatment agencies in a bid to protect their children, according to new plans. The Scottish Executive move is part of a crackdown on drug abuse, placing more emphasis on education and treatment.

Addict parents will be obliged to work closely with treatment agencies. Under the measures, parental responsibilities towards their children will be spelled out along with the consequences if they let them down.

The changes to Scotland’s drug strategy and the greater emphasis on drug prevention and education are expected to be outlined by the Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson when she addresses the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland drugs conference in Turnberry on Friday.

The executive is also announcing a review of drugs education campaigns aimed at children, in particular Know The Score, which was heavily criticised for giving young people tips on how to avoid detection.

Scotland’s drug abuse problem will feature prominently in the forthcoming Holyrood election campaign.

The Conservatives have already pledged an additional £100m for drug rehabilitation services while the executive has pointed out that it has doubled the cash available to health boards for treatment.