elated with drug abuse. It has been shown thatthere are serious effects on development. A drug using life style could be tied to inadequatenutrition and poor prenatal care, which compromises fetal growth. “Drug exposure is likely toaffect CNS development as a function of timing, dose, and duration.” These factors areimpossible to control, and their impact can be moderated by other factors that are not related tothe nature of the exposure.By assessing this information, I think that maybe we should look at the existing healthvisitation program offered by the state. If we make some changes I feel that the health visitationmay be more effective. We could have them working more with mothers before the birth of theirchild, giving them information on what to expect. Also have them work in a structured programof proven proficiency, one that has shown good results. Priority should also be given to motherswho, in the past have had a history of childhood maltreatment, give special training in childmanagement techniques, all of these should lead up to good childhood care.There could also be experimental trials conducted for early parent-training, who are athigh risk. These could include focusing on child behavior management, having the parent takeclasses on how to manage different behaviors. Enlist the aide of the community in parent-training, this could be offered in groups instead of individuals, this does away with the singlingout of people who are more at risk than others. There should also be a much wider voluntaryprogram for mothers at risk, and this could be started in the child’s first six months. Aspecialized trainer could conduct this program, maybe a mother who has already gone throughthe program.In the pre-school curriculum problems of behavior may be addressed. Schools could havespecially trained pre-school teachers aimed at reducing the risk of behavior disorders, andconduct problems. For children and parents who are...
