"They should have them all over the place": A health program for children of illicit drug users

A peer-based support and advocacy group for illicit drug users in collabora tion with a community nurse developed an innovative program for the childre n of users. The program provides well-baby checks, immunization monitoring, parenting advice, monitoring of children's safety, a free lunch and educat ion about nutrition, as well as activities for the children and mothers. In addition, it allows mothers to have time out in a friendly, relaxed, safe, and nonjudgmental environment. The program has been running for more than 7 years, costs little, and gives a hard-to-reach population access to valua ble health care.