PARENTS who use drugs are setting their children up to follow in their footsteps, according to Magistrate Terry Gardiner.

Mr Gardiner warned parents who believed their children did not know what was going on, not to underestimate their perceptiveness.

He had strong words for parents who appeared in Roma Magistrates Court this week on drug charges.

"Do you wish your children to go to jail?" he asked one 36-year-old woman.

"Because in my experience they are more likely to use drugs.

>> Man charged with stalking Qld netballer

>> Man shot in the chest on Darling Downs

"Think about if you are showing them the example you want them to see."

Two women were given community service orders when they appeared in court on Wednesday for drug offences.

He warned one woman she could risk going to jail if she came back before the court again.

"The way you are heading, if you continue to come back before the court, you will be exposing yourself to a term of imprisonment," Mr Gardiner said.

>> Grabbing bouncer's crotch a bad move

>> Man drowns in Tara swimming pool

A 45-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to drug and utensil possession was told she risked her children being taken out of her care if she re-offended.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

• For help with substance abuse, please phone Lifeline on 131114.