Steve Freng

Drug Endangered Children

As the indicators associated with the manufacture and use of methamphetamine continue to rise throughout the state, so too the consequences of this epidemic continue to mount. One of the truly disheartening impacts communities are just now recognizing is the prevalence of children and adolescents found in the methamphetamine labs seized by law enforcement agencies.

Among the 831 documented lab seizures that occurred last year, a total of 228 children and adolescents were found at 136 sites; often, more than one child is found vicinity of a lab, ranging from infants to adolescents, with a mean age of 8 years. This year, 895 meth lab seizures have been documented throughout the state as of September 12, which 91 sites accounting for a total of 143 children an adolescents Pierce County has so far reported 26 such lab seizures involving a total of 53 children and adolescents.

In response, both Thurston and Pierce counties have developed and implemented protocols for dealing with DECs involved meth lab seizures. These protocols entail broad collaborations that include designated staff from the Division of Children and Family Services and partnerships with Public Health, local hospitals and others, and draw a format originally developed by the California DEC Resource Center. In addition, King County, under the auspices of Capt. Carol Cummings and the office of the King County Sheriff, has embarked on a protocol development process; information about this these endeavors is available through HIDTA.

Both the Northwest HIDTA Law Enforcement and Prevention/Treatment Advisory Committees have become increasingly aware and concerned about this issue. A joint project has therefore been undertaken this year involving a survey of the Northwest HIDTA region addressing DECs in meth labs and their local impacts. 940 surveys were mailed to respondents throughout the HIDTA region in June; with approximately 9% responding to date, some preliminary findings include:

Knowledge of existing protocols by 100% of the Thurston County respondents 63% of the Pierce County respondents;
66% of other respondents indicated little initial awareness of the issue, but supported the development of a DEC protocol in their communities;
Broad interest in the issue and in protocol development on the part of Whatcom County repondents;
Unsolicited expressions of interest for Asotin, Klickitat, Spokane, Lewis, Jefferson, Okanogan, and Clark counties.

The HIDTA plans to follow up with a more detailed analysis of the survey results and a second mailing in the coming months. The objectives are to raise awareness and help identify the stakeholders and support needed intervene in the lives of these children and adolescents, with an overall goal of assisting counties and communities in local protocol development efforts. More will be forthcoming on this topic; please contact Steve Freng at 206.352.3603 or sfreng@nw.hidta.org for any additional information.

Inside this issue:
Message from the Director
Threat Assessment by Jerry Adams
Enforcement Highlights by Bill Wittenburger
Future Training
Other HIDTA Newsletters

Watch Center’s phone: 1.888.388.DRUG (3784)
Meth Tip Line: 1.888.609.METH (6384)