Should random drug testing be allowed as a requisite for receiving welfare benefits? If so, should it be "one strike, you're out" or should drug counseling be given with the understanding that any future failed test would result in loss of benefits?
This was one topic of discussion on the local talk radio program this morning. Apparently there was an effort in Michigan to pass just such a policy not too long ago. The ACLU became involved (apparently doing drugs is a civil liberty??? - okay, in all seriousness, I understand they argued on the basis of invasion of privacy) and in the end the state actually ended up having to pay a judgement.
What do YOU think? Is it unfair to require being drug free to receive welfare?

Yes!

:thinking I'm not sure. part of me says yes, but then I am worried about even more gov't in our lives. as for the one strike you are out I don't think so, if most employers have to give you a chance to get clean then so should the gov't. I'll have to get back on this one.

I dislike druggies in general so sure, test and take away the kids and the benefits.

yes

I think they should get random drug tests! b/c idk about where you ladies are, But in Frederick- People who really need help cant get it b/c all these druggies are getting help...Cash asst. and using it for drugs and alcohol :vent

I think if they fail the test their benefits should be took away til they can pass a test!

If the mother does drugs does that make her children somehow unworthy of eating? First, I don't believe drugs should be illegal. Second, I believe all poor people deserve help. Third, I don't think its fair to punish the children because the mom does drugs.

I also believe that using drugs is a medical condition and if we are going to test for it we should be doing it not to PUNISH the person, but to HELP them.

Absolutely NOT.

What about the children who are on the recieving end of their parents food stamps? So their life probably sucks bad enough as their parents are pot heads (or worse) you take food and other benefits from the parents, you take it from children.

In most states those with a felony drug arrest you CANNOT get welfare until you undergo a cessation and prevention course.

I have zero tolerance for drug use especially when they want govt. help...we should make sure that money is not going to the wrong place!

If the mother does drugs does that make her children somehow unworthy of eating? First, I don't believe drugs should be illegal. Second, I believe all poor people deserve help. Third, I don't think its fair to punish the children because the mom does drugs.

I also believe that using drugs is a medical condition and if we are going to test for it we should be doing it not to PUNISH the person, but to HELP them.

they can receive food stamps...that are ONLY allowed to be used to buy food...

But giving Cash asst (basically a debit card) to a druggie :confuzzle

I think they should get random drug tests! b/c idk about where you ladies are, But in Frederick- People who really need help cant get it b/c all these druggies are getting help...Cash asst. and using it for drugs and alcohol :vent

I think if they fail the test their benefits should be took away til they can pass a test!

If you did not get cash assistance when your child was under one, more than likely you refused to complete the requirements. It has nothing to do with someone else getting benefits :rolleyes

they can receive food stamps...that are ONLY allowed to be used to buy food...

But giving Cash asst (basically a debit card) to a druggie :confuzzle

cash assistance (in MD, where you live) is given to people with children to help the children.

do you suppose the children should be naked, w/o diapers?

This is not a perfect world, but I truly believe that those who need help should get it.

Yes

:whatever


i wasnt talking about ME getting help, i just said people who need it, and DONT cheat the system, or use TCA for drugs and liquor

If the mother does drugs does that make her children somehow unworthy of eating? First, I don't believe drugs should be illegal. Second, I believe all poor people deserve help. Third, I don't think its fair to punish the children because the mom does drugs.

I also believe that using drugs is a medical condition and if we are going to test for it we should be doing it not to PUNISH the person, but to HELP them.
Im not even gonna touch that.... :wowsers



Im not sure how I feel. If you test them and take the money, your taking food out of the CHILD's mouth.

I think if you are going to make it one strike your out then you need to do that for everything govt related.

DH works with a guy that put that he did drugs on his clearance paper work and it took them over a year and a half to hire him.

But i do think you shouldnt recieve a sole income of assistance if you are able to work. I know it has nothing to do with drugs.

they can receive food stamps...that are ONLY allowed to be used to buy food...

But giving Cash asst (basically a debit card) to a druggie :confuzzle

you can sell food stamps EASILY.

I feel strongly about this subject because I knew some druggie's kids back in CA and let me tell you, it would have been better for the poor things to just get taken and put in the foster system. There was never any food for them at home, we used to feed them dinner and sometimes breakfasts when school wasn't in session for free meals.

The lack of empathy is amazing. The fact that you use drugs does not automatically make you a bad person. We live in such a judgmental society that it seriously FRIGHTENS me how spiteful people are against those who are less fortunate.

Its also scary that people don't care what happens to the children involved in all this.

Im not even gonna touch that.... :wowsers

LOL. What?

you can sell food stamps EASILY.

I feel strongly about this subject because I knew some druggie's kids back in CA and let me tell you, it would have been better for the poor things to just get taken and put in the foster system. There was never any food for them at home, we used to feed them dinner and sometimes breakfasts when school wasn't in session for free meals.

great point. to quote dr. phil (yeah yeah i know): "drug addicts cannot adequately raise children". if someone is a drug addict in most cases (not all) they aren't concerned with getting food or diapers for there kids anyway

you can sell food stamps EASILY.

I feel strongly about this subject because I knew some druggie's kids back in CA and let me tell you, it would have been better for the poor things to just get taken and put in the foster system. There was never any food for them at home, we used to feed them dinner and sometimes breakfasts when school wasn't in session for free meals.

Oh no, I would never say take the kids from their parents...Unless it was unsafe..Like a old friend let her daughter swallow a rock of crack and she almost died :wow

Thats nice of you to help them...

LOL. What?

i think she means that using drugs is a medical condition

The lack of empathy is amazing. The fact that you use drugs does not automatically make you a bad person. We live in such a judgmental society that it seriously FRIGHTENS me how spiteful people are against those who are less fortunate.

Its also scary that people don't care what happens to the children involved in all this.
Being that I used to do drugs, it's really hard for me to feel bad for drug addicts. They are the most selfish people and they care about no one but themselves. Empathy, I don't have. I have been there, so I know exactly how it feels. It's an incredibly horrible life. But, it's a choice you make. There IS help available if you WANT to change. (General you)

I care very much about the children involved, I don't have sympathy for their parents. I don't believe they should have to pay for the sins of the father. I think everyone recieving help should have some accountability. Reciepts and things like that.

i do believe that if the government is paying for you, they have a right to test you. i definitely think there should be a program should someone fail the test, NOT a "one strike you're out" policy. As others have said, that is unfair to the children.

overall, i dont know of a conlusive solution....

How am I supposed to feel sorry for people who continue to do bad for themselves and have their children taken away. Like Jill said, they arent concerned with helping their kids.

great point. to quote dr. phil (yeah yeah i know): "drug addicts cannot adequately raise children".

If Dr. Phil said it must be crap because he is full of it. LOL. Gaw I hate that guy!

Anyway, uh yeah addiction is a medical condition. I think encouraging people to go to rehab or fix their lives up is more beneficial for everyone than it is just to punish people? Punishment solves nothing. ever.

It's sad that some mothers may sell their food stamps. But you can't seriously use one sad case and call it the "norm."

If Dr. Phil said it must be crap because he is full of it. LOL. Gaw I hate that guy!

Anyway, uh yeah addiction is a medical condition. I think encouraging people to go to rehab or fix their lives up is more beneficial for everyone than it is just to punish people? Punishment solves nothing. ever.

It's sad that some mothers may sell their food stamps. But you can't seriously use one sad case and call it the "norm."

Move to Riverside in SoCal, live there 15+ yrs, then tell me how you feel about it. That WAS the norm with all the druggies on welfare and stamps I saw.

i do believe that if the government is paying for you, they have a right to test you. i definitely think there should be a program should someone fail the test, NOT a "one strike you're out" policy. As others have said, that is unfair to the children.

overall, i dont know of a conclusive solution....

:yes

Im not even gonna touch that.... :wowsers



Im not sure how I feel. If you test them and take the money, your taking food out of the CHILD's mouth.

great point. to quote dr. phil (yeah yeah i know): "drug addicts cannot adequately raise children". if someone is a drug addict in most cases (not all) they aren't concerned with getting food or diapers for there kids anyway

Being that I used to do drugs, it's really hard for me to feel bad for drug addicts. They are the most selfish people and they care about no one but themselves. Empathy, I don't have. I have been there, so I know exactly how it feels. It's an incredibly horrible life. But, it's a choice you make. There IS help available if you WANT to change. (General you)

I care very much about the children involved, I don't have sympathy for their parents. I don't believe they should have to pay for the sins of the father. I think everyone recieving help should have some accountability. Reciepts and things like that.

How am I supposed to feel sorry for people who continue to do bad for themselves and have their children taken away. Like Jill said, they arent concerned with helping their kids.

Agree with all the above! :myop If someone is a crack head and is taking that money away from their children, they children need to be removed! Who knows what else is going on in that household!! Those kids could be raped EVERY NIGHT because Mommy and Daddy are to high to worry about it. :jerkit

Food stamps should be for one person and inorder to use them you must show your id and get the food that is authorized. Making people more accountable is SUCH a bad thing. Making people be RESPONSIBLE adults is such a bad thing. :getit :sarcasm


*****************************
These are general yous. Sorry for the language.:wowsers

Agree with all the above! :myop If someone is a crack head and is taking that money away from their children, they children need to be removed! Who knows what else is going on in that household!! Those kids could be raped EVERY NIGHT because Mommy and Daddy are to high to worry about it. :jerkit

Food stamps should be for one person and inorder to use them you must show your id and get the food that is authorized. Making people more accountable is SUCH a bad thing. Making people be RESPONSIBLE adults is such a bad thing. :getit :sarcasm


*****************************
These are general yous. Sorry for the language.:wowsers

:tu

I have been approached time and time again to "buy" someone's food stamps while I was walking downtown. It's a common thing, unfortunately.

The thing I have the most problems with are not necessarily the food stamps. I have issues with people like one girl I know. She has two kids. She lives off of her children's social security (from their father's death). The kids don't get to participate in stuff like T-ball and other after school things, and don't get new clothes unless their grandparents buy them. The mom always has a new car and always has a cigarette in her mouth. She does coke and who knows what other drugs.

I don't want to see the kids "pay" for their parents' mistakes...but aren't they "paying" anyway (in a sense), since they lose out on so much? I'm not saying that all drug addicts are like this. I'm sure that there are some who actually do make sure that their kids come first.

What is the point of welfare if it isn't to help people? Shouldn't drug testing do the same thing? If they drug test, it should be in an effort to find out who needs HELP, not to punish them.

I think what most people are hoping is that by cutting off their welfare, they would be forcing the drug addicts to stop doing drugs. I don't know that it would work, but I think that's their way of thinking.

Perhaps a better way of achieving this would be to force them into a rehab if they wanted to continue receiving benefits. It would be kind of a "Either you successfully finish a program in a treatment center, or you will no longer receive benefits" type thing. Then again, I don't even know if that would work.

I'm really torn on this issue. I really am.

We can't take food/health insurace/housing/and utilities from innocent children just because their parents are addicts. :no

If the mother does drugs does that make her children somehow unworthy of eating? First, I don't believe drugs should be illegal. Second, I believe all poor people deserve help. Third, I don't think its fair to punish the children because the mom does drugs.

I also believe that using drugs is a medical condition and if we are going to test for it we should be doing it not to PUNISH the person, but to HELP them.

If the mother is doing drugs do you REALLY think that a) those welfare benefits are being used to care for the children vs. support her drug habit and b) those children don't need to be identified so that proper steps can be taken to assure they ARE properly cared for?

If the mother is doing drugs do you REALLY think that a) those welfare benefits are being used to care for the children vs. support her drug habit and b) those children don't need to be identified so that proper steps can be taken to assure they ARE properly cared for?

There are millions of drug addicted mothers who still manage to care for their children. Taking food from the children is just wrong plain and simple.

Wow... you ladies all have very valid points ... in a situation like this there is no black and white just a lot of gray.

well i haven't read all the post, but i am gonna put my 2 cents in anyways. i was raised by crack heads and my mother received assistance. thank god she couldn't sell the Medicaid benefits, because she sure in the hell sold the food stamps...and yes they can use the card to buy groceries and sell those too, so the card doesn't help too much. my brother and i lived off of saltines and ketchup or Ramen noodles unless we were lucky to go to a family members home. so YES i totally agree with drug testing, i do believe help should be offered instead of punishment. and i also think that social services should be required to contact CPS for the children's well being. I am not saying immediately take away the children, but they need to be put in a program, and have random drug testing done to keep them. JMO.

If the mother does drugs does that make her children somehow unworthy of eating? First, I don't believe drugs should be illegal. Second, I believe all poor people deserve help. Third, I don't think its fair to punish the children because the mom does drugs.

I also believe that using drugs is a medical condition and if we are going to test for it we should be doing it not to PUNISH the person, but to HELP them.

I totally agree with this. It should be a requirement to get them help if they do not pass, not take away their financial eligibility, especially if they have children. A lot of time, poor people that use/abuse drugs are "self-medicating" a mental disorder. A disheartening number of homeless people also have mental illnesses, so I think shunning them for that fact, will only make the problem worse in the long run.

Yes. If the mom is doing drugs she shouldn't have the kids to begin with IMO. That is child endangerment. Otherwise, I think that if there are kids to think about then alternatives should be found to make sure they are fed, but not cash assistance.

What happens to all the kids who are taken away? I'm not saying I think they should live in poor situations, just asking... because if they are all taken, they have to go somewhere.
My ex worked for a safe house the Salvation Army runs for children who need temporary care while their parents are in jail or taking parental classes and coming off drugs... Many of those kids were in and out there every yr for 4-5 years straight. There was nowhere for these kids to go, because there aren't enough foster parents.

If the mother does drugs does that make her children somehow unworthy of eating? First, I don't believe drugs should be illegal. Second, I believe all poor people deserve help. Third, I don't think its fair to punish the children because the mom does drugs.

I also believe that using drugs is a medical condition and if we are going to test for it we should be doing it not to PUNISH the person, but to HELP them.

I basically pretty much agree with this stand point.

So all of the people that feel the answer is yes and take away the children to boot. Are you going to open your home and become a foster parent to these children? The foster system is already over burdened with far too many children and not enough FH's. If a law like this was put in place there would be a national call for GOOD foster homes. Would you provide that home. Knowing that most of these children will have may some deep issues.

So all of the people that feel the answer is yes and take away the children to boot. Are you going to open your home and become a foster parent to these children? The foster system is already over burdened with far too many children and not enough FH's. If a law like this was put in place there would be a national call for GOOD foster homes. Would you provide that home. Knowing that most of these children will have may some deep issues.

I've already started. I took my cousin because of her drug addict parents, and I would gladly do it for another child as long as I have the means to do so. My heart aches for these children.

well i haven't read all the post, but i am gonna put my 2 cents in anyways. i was raised by crack heads and my mother received assistance. thank god she couldn't sell the Medicaid benefits, because she sure in the hell sold the food stamps...and yes they can use the card to buy groceries and sell those too, so the card doesn't help too much. my brother and i lived off of saltines and ketchup or Ramen noodles unless we were lucky to go to a family members home. so YES i totally agree with drug testing, i do believe help should be offered instead of punishment. and i also think that social services should be required to contact CPS for the children's well being. I am not saying immediately take away the children, but they need to be put in a program, and have random drug testing done to keep them. JMO.

:yes

my mother wasn't on hard drugs but she did spend her pay checks on alcohol and marijuana...We never had food, I remember crying b/c i was so hungry 5 out of the 7 nights in a week...She'd let ppl use her food stamps card and give her the amount they spent in cash :(

I think they should be randomly drug tested, if they fail- give them the choice to get treatment, if they refuse take the benefits...and also if they dont do treatment contact someone for the children...

I think they should get random drug tests! b/c idk about where you ladies are, But in Frederick- People who really need help cant get it b/c all these druggies are getting help...Cash asst. and using it for drugs and alcohol :vent

I think if they fail the test their benefits should be took away til they can pass a test!

My ex's mom used the cash for drugs an alcohol. She (in my opinion) abused the system, she had oppertunities to get education but did she. Nope. It frustrated me to no end when she got on me about furthering my education an how good it was that I was in College.

welfare is so screwed up.. i can't even wrap my brian around how to fix it.
a part of me says yes... random drug test. maybe if you didn't do drugs you would need welfare. but liek someone else had said, a parent's mistakes doesn't mkae their children less worthy of food and housing.

if they did decide on random drug testing it should not be a one strike you're out deal... you should provide people with help. drugs are not easy to overcome!! even when you want to quit... and who's to say these parents aren't trying.

i don't think people realize just how difficult it is to receive and STAY on welfare. the whole system is screwed up.

I would defenitely open my home up to foster care for these kids. My husband and I are planning to be foster parents once he retires and we have our own home in 3 1/2 yrs.

welfare is so screwed up.. i can't even wrap my brian around how to fix it.
a part of me says yes... random drug test. maybe if you didn't do drugs you would need welfare. but liek someone else had said, a parent's mistakes doesn't mkae their children less worthy of food and housing.

if they did decide on random drug testing it should not be a one strike you're out deal... you should provide people with help. drugs are not easy to overcome!! even when you want to quit... and who's to say these parents aren't trying.

i don't think people realize just how difficult it is to receive and STAY on welfare. the whole system is screwed up.

Its not hard around here...

Almost all the grow woman my mother knows have been on welfare since they were my age (19)...Thats the problem...they just get it and keep it...They dont do anything to better themselves :(

Well, if we take away their help, the drug addict moms can just prostitute themselves in exchange for drugs instead. That would be much better.

taking away money won't make people stop doing drugs because they can't afford it...they'll just find other ways to get the drugs. They need help, not punishment.

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why should our tax dollars help someone in :quote need :quote who is using drugs.. that's abuse of the system if you ask me. welfare is meant to help people get back ON their feet... it's not mean to further cripple them by allowing them to use drugs ans still live off uncle same :rant

Well, if we take away their help, the drug addict moms can just prostitute themselves in exchange for drugs instead. That would be much better.

taking away money won't make people stop doing drugs because they can't afford it...they'll just find other ways to get the drugs. They need help, not punishment.

so we should keep them on welfare?
and get them "help" that they probably don't want...
:confused
is there no end?

YES YES YES YES!!!
I hate that in this town lots and lots of people like ME who are pregnant and simply can't afford stuff can't get on these beneficial things because people on DRUGS get on it and use it all to buy DRUGS!!! My friends mom is like this and it drives me INSANE! She uses her money to buy freaking CRACK and I could be using it to buy stuff for the BABY!!! :vent

I totally agree with this. It should be a requirement to get them help if they do not pass, not take away their financial eligibility, especially if they have children. A lot of time, poor people that use/abuse drugs are "self-medicating" a mental disorder. A disheartening number of homeless people also have mental illnesses, so I think shunning them for that fact, will only make the problem worse in the long run.

ABSOLUTELY.

well i haven't read all the post, but i am gonna put my 2 cents in anyways. i was raised by crack heads and my mother received assistance. thank god she couldn't sell the Medicaid benefits, because she sure in the hell sold the food stamps...and yes they can use the card to buy groceries and sell those too, so the card doesn't help too much. my brother and i lived off of saltines and ketchup or Ramen noodles unless we were lucky to go to a family members home. so YES i totally agree with drug testing, i do believe help should be offered instead of punishment. and i also think that social services should be required to contact CPS for the children's well being. I am not saying immediately take away the children, but they need to be put in a program, and have random drug testing done to keep them. JMO.

:agree with this...however as soon as i read that i thought the exact same thing as what GM (below) said...It's just a horrible situation and i really don't know how we as a society can dig ourselves out of it...

So all of the people that feel the answer is yes and take away the children to boot. Are you going to open your home and become a foster parent to these children? The foster system is already over burdened with far too many children and not enough FH's. If a law like this was put in place there would be a national call for GOOD foster homes. Would you provide that home. Knowing that most of these children will have may some deep issues.

I definitely agree that they should be offered help! I do not agree with "Take their children away!" for a first offense. People DO make mistakes, and if they are willing to get help, thats freaking AWESOME! It's the people who don't want to help themselves that make me sick :no I think it would vary on the situation though. Some drugs are worse than others, etc etc. I think it would have to be based on each sitation induvidually.

I've been re-thinking this all day :lol

It's taxpayers who fund welfare....and alot of taxpayers have random drug tests at their jobs....so why shouldn't the person receiving welfare benefits also be tested???? I'm tested at my job...I pay taxes....part of my taxes are used to fund the system....KWIM?

I think if they pop positive they HAVE to complete rehab. Then be on probabtion with weekly drug testing. I think vouchers (Much like those given for WIC) be issued with the persons name on it and the specific item needed (formula/diapers ect...) and a welfare photo ID used...or a bar code scaned from the welfare ID. No more denominational food stamps or debit cards. Specific vouchers.

Children of drug addicts should NOT be punished, but their drug using parent should NOT be rewarded either. IF the parent is a drug user then they are unfit until clean.

I also think that a time line should be issued where the parent HAS to show that they have TRIED to better their living conditions, ie.. schooling, actually applying for a job ect....Just get off the welfare roll at some point and show their children what a little initiative can do. I'm all for free schools, daycare to help the parent along but I'm NOT for a free handout at MY expense.

:myop

lots of people like ME who are pregnant and simply can't afford stuff can't get on these beneficial things because people on DRUGS get on it and use it all to buy DRUGS!!!

Welfare doesn't work because people in the government don't LIKE it and they don't WANT it to work. So they cut the budget so it can only help those at the very bottom rung of society. It's not the fault of the people. It's the budgets fault. More specifically, its the republicans who refuse to fund social programs fault.

After they cut off a programs financial supply they point at it and say "see, welfare doesn't work!!! Blame the poor people because they are so POOR they ruin everything!" LOL. They did the same shit with the economy by the way.:dunno

Welfare doesn't work because people in the government don't LIKE it and they don't WANT it to work. So they cut the budget so it can only help those at the very bottom rung of society. It's not the fault of the people. It's the budgets fault. More specifically, its the republicans who refuse to fund social programs fault.

After they cut off a programs financial supply they point at it and say "see, welfare doesn't work!!! Blame the poor people because they are so POOR they ruin everything!" LOL. They did the same shit with the economy by the way.:dunno
I guess I shouldn't even be in this debate. That's why that's all I said already...for me it's more of a health care issue, not necessarily welfare, though it's all grouped together some how. It really, really bugs me to see that SOME middle-class people can get on medicaid for any reason and the 'illness' they have just happens to be drug related...and the ONLY medicaid I am approved for is pregnancy based and when I give birth, it's GONE for me...and it bugs me even MORE when I hear about people getting disability checks and their 'disability' is a drug problem, when SOME people who are severely disabled (My df's father for ex, is a vet and can't WALK and yet, does not get medicaid) don't get it, because of the drug addicts who do.
Idk. That's just THE thing in our country that sets me over the edge. This is JMO...and not meant to offend ANYBODY.

It's taxpayers who fund welfare....and alot of taxpayers have random drug tests at their jobs....so why shouldn't the person receiving welfare benefits also be tested???? I'm tested at my job...I pay taxes....part of my taxes are used to fund the system....KWIM?

I think if they pop positive they HAVE to complete rehab. Then be on probabtion with weekly drug testing. I think vouchers (Much like those given for WIC) be issued with the persons name on it and the specific item needed (formula/diapers ect...) and a welfare photo ID used...or a bar code scaned from the welfare ID. No more denominational food stamps or debit cards. Specific vouchers.

Children of drug addicts should NOT be punished, but their drug using parent should NOT be rewarded either. IF the parent is a drug user then they are unfit until clean.

I also think that a time line should be issued where the parent HAS to show that they have TRIED to better their living conditions, ie.. schooling, actually applying for a job ect....Just get off the welfare roll at some point and show their children what a little initiative can do. I'm all for free schools, daycare to help the parent along but I'm NOT for a free handout at MY expense.

:myop

:tu

It's taxpayers who fund welfare....and alot of taxpayers have random drug tests at their jobs....so why shouldn't the person receiving welfare benefits also be tested???? I'm tested at my job...I pay taxes....part of my taxes are used to fund the system....KWIM?

I think if they pop positive they HAVE to complete rehab. Then be on probabtion with weekly drug testing. I think vouchers (Much like those given for WIC) be issued with the persons name on it and the specific item needed (formula/diapers ect...) and a welfare photo ID used...or a bar code scaned from the welfare ID. No more denominational food stamps or debit cards. Specific vouchers.

Children of drug addicts should NOT be punished, but their drug using parent should NOT be rewarded either. IF the parent is a drug user then they are unfit until clean.

I also think that a time line should be issued where the parent HAS to show that they have TRIED to better their living conditions, ie.. schooling, actually applying for a job ect....Just get off the welfare roll at some point and show their children what a little initiative can do. I'm all for free schools, daycare to help the parent along but I'm NOT for a free handout at MY expense.

:myop

I agree!!!!!!!!!

It's taxpayers who fund welfare....and alot of taxpayers have random drug tests at their jobs....so why shouldn't the person receiving welfare benefits also be tested???? I'm tested at my job...I pay taxes....part of my taxes are used to fund the system....KWIM?

I think if they pop positive they HAVE to complete rehab. Then be on probabtion with weekly drug testing. I think vouchers (Much like those given for WIC) be issued with the persons name on it and the specific item needed (formula/diapers ect...) and a welfare photo ID used...or a bar code scaned from the welfare ID. No more denominational food stamps or debit cards. Specific vouchers.

Children of drug addicts should NOT be punished, but their drug using parent should NOT be rewarded either. IF the parent is a drug user then they are unfit until clean.

I also think that a time line should be issued where the parent HAS to show that they have TRIED to better their living conditions, ie.. schooling, actually applying for a job ect....Just get off the welfare roll at some point and show their children what a little initiative can do. I'm all for free schools, daycare to help the parent along but I'm NOT for a free handout at MY expense.

:myop
responding to the bolded parts. You do have to show you are bettering yourself if you get welfare, much like unemployment you have to do certain things in order to receive it. It's not like they say sit on your ass have some kids here is some money.
As for the voucher system, they had that with the whole "food stamp money" it's bad enough when the cashier gives you a nasty look for buying what you are buying with your card, but hey lets demean people more by making them use "special money" that stands out in a crowd so EVERYONE can critique what they are buying.

On this subject I agree with viva. :yes

I just say lets all blame the government. The government FORCED us to take drugs. The governement FORCED us to let our kids fend for ourselves because they are high.

We are we as PEOPLE step up and say WE ARE THE FUCK UP's? Sorry for the language but that pisses me to high end when people refuse to take responsiblity for their children.

I know what happens when a child is left in the house of a nogood drugge/pothead. A friend of mine was that before we moved here. Her daughter had to suffer because of the parent's "habit." Like I sayed earlier, you don't know what is going on in that household. Rape, beatings, no food. Boy, we want to leave them in that situtation.

I just say lets all blame the government. The government FORCED us to take drugs. The governement FORCED us to let our kids fend for ourselves because they are high.

We are we as PEOPLE step up and say WE ARE THE FUCK UP's? Sorry for the language but that pisses me to high end when people refuse to take responsiblity for their children.

I know what happens when a child is left in the house of a nogood drugge/pothead. A friend of mine was that before we moved here. Her daughter had to suffer because of the parent's "habit." Like I sayed earlier, you don't know what is going on in that household. Rape, beatings, no food. Boy, we want to leave them in that situtation.

so the solution is to put them into an already overcrowded foster system, that lets be honest can at times be just as bad as their own homes?? How does that work?

so the solution is to put them into an already overcrowded foster system, that lets be honest can at times be just as bad as their own homes?? How does that work?

What is the lesser of the two evils?

You know, I see nothing wrong with drug tests being required to get welfare. I think that people on welfare should be recieving it because they truly need it. If you have the money to go buy drugs and alcohol then you have the money to pay your bills and buy groceries. I do think, however, that IF DRUGS ARE FOUND TO BE INVOLVED THEY SHOULD BE OFFERED DRUG COUNCELING. If after that they continued to do drugs, they should no longer recieve assisstence. It should be given to someone who would appreciate it and utilize it properly. I also think that every person on welfare should be required to go through a financial planning class, to help them know how to manage the bills they have and the income they have. I have a couple of friends who really do need it and really have TRIED all they can to make it on their own and can't get the help they need from the government! It is sad to see so many of the ones who have been given the opportunity abusing it that way, when there are people out there on waiting lists for aid because there are too many people on aid.

What is the lesser of the two evils?
ok so which is worse/less being raped and beaten at home, or raped and beaten at a foster home?? and if that is the case what about random drug testing for foster parents too. They are receiving money from the gov't to care for children.

ok so which is worse/less being raped and beaten at home, or raped and beaten at a foster home?? and if that is the case what about random drug testing for foster parents too. They are receiving money from the gov't to care for children.

yes... foster parents should also have to pass drug and alcohol screanings, and psychological evaluations. that's another story, but the foster system and the child services system has also gone to crap. let's take kids away from parents who love them but make one mistake, and give them to guardians who couldn't give a shit less about them and haven't been caught making a mistake yet. I think there should try more to FIX the problem (with counseling and close monitoring maybe) befor yanking kids away from the parents and losing them in the system.