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"Children in Meth Labs" by Bill Wittenberger |
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Jan 2000 |
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The Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, in association with the Northwest HIDTA, sponsored a “Children in Meth Labs” forum on December 15, 1999. Attendees and participants included staff from Project S.A.F.E. (A HIDTA sponsored program of the TOGETHER! Coalition), WA State Child Protective Services, Representatives of the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney, the WA State Patrol SIRT Team, medical personnel and other Thurston County stakeholders. The goal of the forum was to develop and implement a “model protocol” to be used when children are found at lab sites. Studies have shown 35% of the children found at lab sites tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine. It has further been shown that if the cycle of exposure to these drugs is not broken, these children are very likely to become substance abusing offenders. In regard to legal strategies, David Soukup, the Assistant Prosecutor assigned to the Thurston County NTF, has successfully charged two women for exposing their children to the hazardous environment of meth production. Both were charged with criminal mistreatment in the second degree. Prosecution can be pursued if the parent or person entrusted with physical custody created an imminent and substantial risk of death or great bodily harm, or causes bodily harm by withholding any of the basic necessities of life. Given the lifestyles of most meth cooks, this offense could apply in many situations. Information regarding this protocol will be shared with other NW HIDTA jurisdictions. Inside this issue: |