In another episode, he tries to do an ultra-rapid detox on a drug-addicted baby without the mother's consent.

But others also suggest that those who give birth to drug-addicted babies should face jail terms.

This number will increase as drug-addicted babies and infants with fetal alcohol syndrome will need and enter into special education programs.

Also slated for elimination is the Family Rehabilitation Program, an initiative under which the department sought to keep drug-addicted babies with their mothers.

While some public health officials say that estimate is too high, there is no question that the number of drug-addicted babies is rising rapidly.

Since 1975, about 1,000 drug-addicted babies have been comforted there.

But state and city officials are right to insist that, with proper training and monitoring, drug-addicted babies are best cared for by individual families.

The work ranges from sweeping floors to rocking drug-addicted babies in local hospitals.

Ms. Harris tried, unsuccessfully, to get state legislation passed that would "make it a crime to have a drug-addicted baby," she said.

They asked how Mother Hale came to take care of drug-addicted babies.