Bronx Defenders advocates present at NASW Addictions Institute conference

Yesterday, June 3, 2015, four Bronx Defenders advocates presented at the National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter (NASW-NYC) 47th Annual Addictions Institute conference, “Marijuana and Emerging Drugs: Evolving Perceptions in Addictions.”

Bronx Defenders Parent Advocate Dinah Ortiz and Social Worker Sarah Cremer presented on the presumptions and prejudice surrounding drug use by pregnant women who are charged with child neglect, looking at the range of public policy approaches used to address issues concerning pregnant women who use drugs and the barriers they face in seeking health care and social services.

Managing Director of Social Work Elizabeth Keeney and Managing Director of the Civil Action Practice Kate Rubin presented on the ways in which we can combat current systems perpetuating outdated, racist, and unscientific notions about drug use, addiction, and recovery through holistic defense strategies that promote public health and reduce the punitive harms of drug-related allegations in criminal and family court proceedings.