 |
|
Methamphetamine in Wisconsin
Drug Endangered Children (DEC)Who are America's drug endangered children? Drug endangered children are those children who suffer physical or psychological harm or neglect resulting either from exposure to illegal drugs or persons under the influence of illegal drugs, or from exposure to dangerous environments where drugs are being manufactured or where the chemicals used to make drugs are accessible. This harm may include: injury from explosion, fire or exposure to toxic chemicals found at clandestine lab sites; physical abuse; sexual abuse; medical neglect; and lack of basic care, including failure to provide meals, sanitary and safe living conditions, or schooling. Drug endangered children are part of a very large population of children whose lives have been seriously and negatively impacted by dangerous drugs. What is being done to assist them? Today, most drug endangered children are discovered or "rescued" during law enforcement actions relating to their parents or caregivers. That event may be one of the most defining moments of their lives. If ignored and left unmonitored, these children continue to be victims caught in a cycle of drug abuse. The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children advocates intervention on behalf of these children, and urges communities to build collaborative, effective teams to provide coordinated services and support for these child victims. These teams include first responders, child protective services, law enforcement, medical and mental health professionals, prosecutors and county attorneys, child advocates, substance abuse treatment providers, and other community leaders, as well as the general public. Upon removal from a dangerous environment, drug endangered children need the immediate attention of child welfare services and assessment by medical and mental health professionals. If parents have endangered children, their actions may necessitate prosecution, termination of parental rights or court supervision of family reunification. What is the Drug Endangered Children (DEC) program? A DEC program is a multidisciplinary approach to protecting children found in dangerous drug environments. DEC programs develop response teams that include law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, health officials and medical personnel. Communities in more than a dozen states have formed DEC alliances, dedicated to rescuing, defending, sheltering and supporting drug endangered children. In your community, a DEC program can develop strategies to intervene on behalf of children affected by their parents' use, manufacture or trafficking of drugs. Why are DEC programs important? Children found in meth labs or drug endangered environments are at greater risk for physical, emotional and developmental harm. A child living in a meth lab may experience severe neglect and physical or sexual abuse, in addition to the physical effects of exposure to the chemicals used to manufacture meth. These children frequently suffer from malnutrition and respiratory conditions, and often experience developmental delays. A DEC program can help protect, rescue, support and shelter high-risk children in your community from these devastating effects. In the last year, more than 2,000 people across the nation have received DEC awareness or DEC team implementation training. Protecting drug endangered children is an idea whose time has come! How can the Wisconsin DEC program help you? The Wisconsin Department of Justice has helped to develop a statewide DEC program, and can serve as a liaison for any county or community that needs support or wishes to develop its own DEC program. The statewide program will provide the following assistance and support:
The Wisconsin Department of Justice also provided coordination and assistance in developing a website for the Wisconsin Drug Endangered Children program, centralizing reporting, creating a centralized information center, and offering training opportunities, including an annual DEC conference. How do I spot a drug endangered environment in my neighborhood? Some possible indicators:
Do not confront your neighbor if you suspect illegal activity. Instead, please contact your local law enforcement agency, call 1-800-NAB-DRUGS, or dial 911. How can I get more information about Wisconsin's Drug Endangered Children program? Check the Wisconsin Drug Endangered Children Program website. Contact Special Agent in Charge Cindy Giese by email or call (715) 839-3834. Check back here for information regarding upcoming training opportunities. Additional DEC-related web resources: National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Office of National Drug Control Policy Meth Awareness and Prevention Project – South Dakota DEC Riverside County, California Arizona Drug Endangered Children Program Colorado Alliance for Drug Endangered Children
Learn more about Wisconsin Department of Justice drug enforcement efforts
|
||
|
This page created by the Department of Justice. All text, images or associated items are property of the Department of Justice, and may only be reproduced with the consent of the Department of Justice. |
|||
|
|||
Report illegal drug activity in your area.