Citation

Douglas J, Sullivan R. Int. J. Drug Policy 2013; 24(5): 445-448.

Affiliation

School of Social Work, University of British Columbia, 2080 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z2. Electronic address: jdouglas@langara.bc.ca.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.drugpo.2013.01.003

PMID

23453301

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This unique social work research examined the rationale for child protection interventions with families found living in illegal cannabis grow operations, based on the assumption of risk in the presence of probable medical harm. METHODS: The study examined the household, family and individual characteristics of 181 children found living in cannabis grow operations in two regions in British Columbia, Canada. Data was collected on-site on the physical characteristics of the homes, the health characteristics of the children, and their prescription drug history. Comparison of prescription drug use was also made with a group of children from the same geographic areas. RESULTS: This study found that there was no significant difference between the health of the children living in cannabis grow operations and the comparison group of children, based on their prescription history and their reported health at the time. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study challenge contemporary child welfare approaches and have implications for both child protection social workers and the policymakers who develop frameworks for practice.

Language: en