Children of the Drug War: Perspectives on the Impact of Drug Policies on Young People, Damon Barrett (2011)

'Children of the Drug War' is a unique collection of original essays,CODW cover edited by Damon  Barrett (Project Director at the International Centre on Human Rights and Drug Policy), that investigates the impacts of the war on drugs on children, young people and their  families. With contributions from around the world, providing different perspectives and utilizing a  wide range of styles and approaches including ethnographic studies, personal accounts and  interviews, the book asks fundamental questions of national and international drug control systems:

  • What have been the costs to children and young people of the war on drugs?
  • Is the protection of children from drugs a solid justification for current policies?
  • What kinds of public fears and preconceptions exist in relation to drugs and the drug trade?
  • How can children and young people be placed at the forefront of drug policies?

Four thematic sections address:

  • Production and trade
  • Race, class and law enforcement
  • Families and drug policy
  • Drug use and dependence

The book is published by the International Debate Education Association (iDebate Press). It is available for purchase in hard copy from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk and other outlets.

A pdf of the full book and pdfs of each of its four sections are available for free download. It may also be read online.

HRDP summary