Children, mothers with SUDs and protection systems

This presentation discusses how child protection systems can co-construct effective, non-punitive care pathways for women who use drugs and their children, guaranteeing the right to bond. 

It will critically examine how protocols, institutional culture and stigma influence decision-making and shape the concept of the 'best interests of the child'. 

From the women's life experiences, we will identify which forms of support have proven most effective, explore the impact of the system on the mother-child bond, and highlight good practices that integrate harm reduction, community networks, and children's voice. 

The aim is to propose alternative rights-based approaches, based on co-responsibility and social solidarity. 

Target audience:

• Any person (professional or not) who works with the problem of substance use and/or childhood, in public or private institutions

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: 

• Understand how protection systems can co-create non-punitive, rights-based care for women who use drugs and their children. 

• Recognize how institutional culture and stigma influence decisions and the notion of the "best interests of the child". 

• Reflect on women's life experiences and the types of support that really strengthen the mother-child bond. 

• Identify good practices that integrate harm reduction, community networks and co-responsibility approaches. 

References:

• Argentina. (2005). Law 26.061. Law on the Comprehensive Protection of the Rights of Children and Adolescents. Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic, September 28, 2005. Argentina. (2010). 

• Law 26.657. National Mental Health Law. Right to mental health protection. Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic, December 3, 2010. 

• Del Do, A. & Calloway, C. (Comps.). (2025). Problematic consumption and human rights. Community perspectives. Editorial Teseo. 

• Government of the Province of Buenos Aires. (2022). Comprehensive Provincial Mental Health Plan. Towards a solidarity and integrated health system 2022-2027. 

• Grinberg, J. & Villalta, C. (Comps.). (2025). Childhoods, Violence, and Rights: Rethinking Categories and Practices in a Socio-Anthropological Key. EDUNPAZ. 

• Ministry of Health of the Nation. (2019). Guide to Recommendations for the Care of Pregnant and Postpartum People with Problematic Substance Use. 

• Ministry of Health of the Nation. (n.d.). National Plan of Action for the Prevention and Assistance in Excessive Alcohol Consumption. 

• Pautassi, L. C. (2018). Care as a right. A virtuous path, an immediate challenge. Journal of the Faculty of Law of Mexico. 

• Stolkiner, A. (2012). Internships in Mental Health. Noveduc. 

Presenter:

Adelaida Zurano

Psychologist. Specialization in CSE (UNSAM) and Diploma in Public Policies in Mental Health.

Lic. Bárbara Corral

Psychologist. Director of Childhood, Adolescence and Family. International Diploma in Management of Territorial Public Policies.

Moderator:

Dr. Nicolas Poliansky

Moderator.

Psychologist. Researcher. Director of the National Chapter of ISSUP Argentina.

Webinars and online events presented and hosted by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) are provided for informational purposes only. They are educational in nature and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.