CASH FOR ADDICTS Non-Profit Group Working to Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies
Reported by: Rudi Raynes
Videographer: Jerry Criner
Web Producer: Rudi Raynes Updated: July 2, 2009 11:07pm
EYEWITNESS NEWS ONLINE VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Barbara Harris and her family are on the road again working to prevent unwanted drug and alcohol related pregnancies.
"We get calls all the time saying please come to our city we need you here." says Harris.
The family runs a non-profit organization. They give 300 dollars to drug addicts who agree to get on long term or permanent birth control. Organizers say the main concern is not preventing addiction, rather preventing children from being born with one.
"We get criticized saying what if they use the money to buy drugs, but that's their choice. These people are going to get drugs anyway with or without our 300 dollars." says Harris.
Harris started the program after she adopted her daughter Destiny. She was born with drugs in her system. Destiny's birth mother had three more babies; all of them, like destiny, born with drug addictions.
"To me they were all my family and if she would've had ten more they all wouldve been living with me." says Harris.
Clincial and forensic psychologist, David Clayman says the program, although controversial, isn't a bad idea.
"There is no way to make drug addicted people compliant or act responsible. This is an ingenius way for them to go and voluntarily submit to a way to not get pregnant." says Clayman.
Now a healthy 19 year old, Destiny, is living proof children born under the worst of circmstances, still have a chance.
"If you have someone like my mom and dad who tell you you can overcome it, it's a lot easier to actually make something of your life." says Destiny.
"They said she would always be slow and be delayed, but she's brilliant." smiles Barbara.
For more information on the program you can call 1-888-30-CRACK.
W.Va. gov. upset with state of education March 15, 2010 10:37 AM Gov. Joe Manchin is gearing up for a special session on education by telling the state School Board it needs to become more proactive about reform.
Boy dies in crash, tried to jump from vehicle March 15, 2010 8:34 AM Authorities in western Kentucky say a teenager's effort to jump from his father's moving vehicle led to the boy's death.
Ohio cop dies of 'cardiac incident' after chase March 15, 2010 10:58 AM The coroner's office lists a "cardiac incident" as the tentative cause of death for a Cleveland area police officer who collapsed while running after a suspect.
Fugitive Files
Wanted: Jan. 13, 2009 • You Can Help! Failed drug test following grand larceny, failure to appear following burglary, and failure to appear following second degree sexual assault
Behind The Kitchen Door
March 11, 2010 IHOP, Applebee's, Sahara, Ichiban, Taste of India, Alladin's, Sushi Atlantic are on the list. Find out who has violations and who gets a big thumbs up!