I was pleased to see the Dec. 18 follow-up story about the parents who were arrested last month for reckless child endangerment when police said they were found sleeping off their heroin high in a parked car with their young children present (“Of heroin and heroes,’’ Page A1). The role played by grandparents such as Bonnie and Ron Bruce, as detailed by reporter Evan Allen, is critical to emphasize in any story about the impact of parental addiction on children. The public health literature is clear that the stress and potential trauma faced by these children is mitigated when they have a broad support network of stable, loving adults.

Equally important to emphasize is Bonnie Bruce’s reflection that her daughter is a good mother when sober. I do not doubt that this is true. We are failing parents like Tamara Bruce and Jacob Davis. Instead of arresting and prosecuting them, we should reduce the harm caused by their addiction.

Following examples in Vietnam and Ukraine, we could provide primary care, methadone, counseling, and ongoing support to addicted pregnant women, their partners, children, and families. Better yet, we could provide safe injection facilities and follow Switzerland’s model, allowing physicians to prescribe heroin with the goal of helping addicted patients maintain dignity, function, and stability and, eventually, work toward recovery.

Jennifer Beard, Somerville

The writer is an assistant professor in the department of global health at the Boston University School of Public Health.