|
These are
recommended procedures developed by the National Alliance for Drug
Endangered Children. Various localities may need to adjust the strategies
depending on their resources. As local, state and federal protocols are
approved and implemented, this information will be updated.
While the initial
response to finding children in a Meth home or lab is concentrated on
immediate physical needs of the children and documenting evidence to build
a case, actions taken the next three days are just as vital. Law
enforcement, child protective services and medical personnel work together
over the course of those 72-hours to stabilize and treat the children and
further document evidence for upcoming court proceedings.
Within 72-hours
of discovering children in drug labs:
Law Enforcement:
Children need to be interviewed by personnel trained in the
forensically correct method for children. This process should be
coordinated with CPS.
Child Protective Services:
1) There may have been other children in the family or home who were
not present at the time of the seizure. All children who have lived in
the home will need to be examined and their information collected for
tracking.
2) The medical histories of the children need to be investigated and
documented.
Medical Personnel:
1) A complete medical evaluation as needed based on the exam done at
the first evaluation.
2) Blood test - if not done on the earlier exam
3) Hepatitis B, C panels as indicated if LFTs elevated.
4) Developmental evaluation using an age appropriate standardized
tool.
5) Mental health evaluation
6) Dental evaluation
Children found in Meth houses may be affected by the chemicals
and drugs long after they are removed from the scene. To continue
protecting them, a plan for long term follow up is vital.
Law Enforcement:
Update databases as needed to track case.
Child Protective
Services:
Input all the gathered information into a database as determined by
local, state and national protocols.
Medical Personnel:
1) Repeat medical evaluation in 30 days, six months and one year
intervals.
2) Follow up developmental evaluations as needed based on the initial
evaluations.
3) Follow up mental health interventions and assessments as needed.
|
