Imagine having your child taken away from you at birth - the very idea is the stuff of nightmares.
But it's set to become a reality for drug-addicted or abused mothers who refuse to seek help.
Under new state laws in NSW, pregnant women who abuse drugs or alcohol will be forced to sign a Parental Responsibility Contract ordering them to seek treatment for the health of their babies. Medical professionals are behind the tough new measures, after becoming sick of seeing babies suffer unnecessarily after birth, all because their mothers were addicted to drugs or alcohol while pregnant.
Once the mothers sign the form, if the don't seek treatment it will be used to start formal proceedings to place the baby in alternative care.
The new legislation won't just cover drug and alcohol affected mums. Any mum who is a situation that can harm her unborn child will be asked to sign a PRC and that includes those who suffer from domestic violence. These women will be pressured to leave their abusive partner, move in with family members or seek help through domestic violence counselling.
The PRC system has operated in NSW for the past several years but can only be applied to parents after their children are born. Technically this meant expectant mums could continue their drug and alcohol use until giving birth before being forced to seek treatment.
It is hoped under the new scheme this won't happen again.
If the new system proves a success, additional states and territories could consider adopting the legislation.
Family and Community Services Minister Pru Goward says the changes are designed to put the child's rights first. "I make no apologies for taking this bold new approach to child protection, which ensures we are putting the best interests of the child at the centre of every decision we make," she said.
"Whether it is raising the stakes on early intervention or improving access to open adoption, these reforms are about providing families and caseworkers with the support and tools they need to ensure vulnerable children have a safe home for life."
Is this the motivation drug and alcohol addicted mums need to succeed in treatment? Is applying it to domestic violence victims taking it a step too far?
