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October, 7 2003 Governor Johanns Office of the Governor Re: DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN PROGRAM (DEC) Dear Honorable Johanns, I am Annie O’Donnell from the College of Saint Mary’s informing you of a program that I believe should be offered for Nebraska’s children. I am writing to urge you to consider, implement and, support Drug Endangered Children Program(DEC) in Nebraska. Methamphetamine labs particular have endangered the lives and well-being of children in Iowa and across the nation. Young children are often found living in squalid conditions in homes housing methamphetamine labs which contain toxic chemicals used to manufacture the drug. Last year, over 3,000 children were found to be affected during seizures of over 15,000 methamphetamine labs nationwide. Over 1,300 of those children were exposed to toxic chemicals used in the production of the drug. Law enforcement officials in Iowa seized approximately 1,000 methamphetamine labs last year in the state and the number of children found in labs is rising. There are many dangers Injury or death from fire or explosions, poisoning and intoxication, acute health problems, long-term health outcomes Developmental, emotional, mental health or behavioral problems. You may be asking how does DEC work in the community? There are several ways: Drug warrant, DEC law enforcement officer (DEC officer) assigned to child welfare role , DEC officer contacts DHS worker on call, DEC officer conducts child endangerment investigation. In consultation with DHS, DEC officer makes a decision to remove the child or children from the home, DHS worker determines the need for medical testing and initiates Child In Need of Assistance procedures, and sometimes cases referred to the County Attorney. Some of the outcomes are: Greater understanding of the impact of methamphetamine manufacture on children:1) Cross training of disciplines involved with drug affected families 2)Media coverage raises awareness of the problem. Also it is an incentive for drug involved parents to seek meaningful drug treatment, remove children from drug environments, itnterruption of the addiction cycle with possible treatment or referral to drug court, and helps the public and policy makers see the CHILD in the methamphetamine problem Thank you for consideration of this request. I hope you will contact the DEC Appropriations Subcommittee to express your support for this initiative. If you have any additional questions or need more information, feel free to contact Woolery at ODCP 515-281-3788 or Ken Carter at DNE 515-281-9054 have all info on the Iowa program and would be glad to help. Sincerely, 8210 Webster Plaza #5 Omaha, Nebraska 68114 |
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