Every group is autonomous.
If there is a group conscience that says 'no children' then that is their right.
I personally have mixed feelings about children at meetings.
On the one hand, I understand how the moms need recovery and sometimes need to bring the kids along.
On the other hand, kids can be disruptive, cause the 'spotlight' to be on them, instead of the newcomer or
addict in distress, and can also inhibit sharing.
As in all things group related, it's up to the group.

Meetings: one size does not fit all. This Group has chosen by group conscience to be a closed group, for addicts only. If there is a need for an open group in the locale those feeling the need should do the foot work and start another meeting. Some groups with regular high child count attendance have worked to set up childcare so addicts can focus on recovery without the disruptions of kids. No one cut and dried solution, sometimes the needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few sometimes the needs of the few out weigh the needs of the many. Each Group decides their path in carrying the message to the addict who still suffers.

Hi Avid, You mentioned each group is autonomous but you forgot to finish the sentence..."except in matters affecting other groups or NA as a whole." This issues affects NA as a whole. I guess I am looking at what happens when this is the only meeting available on this night and the mother has her baby and wants to use, then what???? I feel firm on the fact that "closed" does NOT apply to toddlers is all. Since this is not stated anywhere in our literature nor in our service guide, it is quite questionable for a concrete decision. So, what I think I will do is ask for a "group conscious" on the day the child is there. It is the "norm" that children are allowed. However, in cases where meetings DON'T want kids, they put this on the meeting schedule. It is ONLY when toddlers are NOT allowed that it is mentioned on the meeting schedule. Another option would be to attend their homegroup (which only consists of about 2-3 members) and give some suggestions: 1) Only state it on the meeting schedule if homegroup decides NOT to let the children attend; 2) take a group conscious whenever a child is there; 3) Make it an open meeting. Pray for God's will to be done. It just irritates me that babies have been coming to this meeting for the 14 years I have been going but the chairperson is going thru "children" issues as she lost custody of her child when she arrived in the program 11 years ago and maybe this year she has some family issues revolving around her child. I know this because she is my cousin-in-law and I have a little more insight on her personal family issues. Well, take care and thanx for the feedback, it was truly helpful. Kepp in touch -Cheryl G.; South Bend, Indiana.

Kellyrae:
Closed meetings are open to all addicts; they are just not open to non-addicts. They serve an important purpose in that they allow NA members to talk about things they might not be comfortable talking about when non-NA folks are there. In the old days, they also gave people some comfort that no law enforcement would be there. Years ago, it was illegal for addicts to meet in some areas, such as New York.

All addicts need recovery, from the newcomer mom taking a toddler to a meeting to the oldtimer with no kids. The important thing is that groups learn how to deal wiht this issue constructively and respectfully.

i dont understand...what the children have to do with it?

kelleyrae,I believe what you are saying is true ,no addict should be turned away.They could go out and use or die , we are suppose to be a fellowship and help each other.