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Drug Endangered Children

• Introduction

• Why are children more susceptible than adults to chemical exposure?

• Physiology and Behaviors of Children

• Are children living in drug labs impacted?

• Health Effects

• Social Effects

• Emotional Effects

We Care:  Recommended Best Practices Addressing the Needs of Drug Endangered Children pdf 251 kb

Introduction

A significant number of children are found living in hazardous situations since the majority of illegal drug labs operate in residential homes. They are exposed to unhealthy living conditions where chemicals are improperly used and criminal activity is evident.

Drug endangered children (DEC) often experience short - and long-term health problems, test positive for methamphetamine, and suffer from neglect and abuse.  

Back to Tophildren more susceptible

Why are children more susceptible than adults to chemical exposure?

The unique physiological characteristics and age-related behaviors of young children leave them particularly vulnerable to the health effects of toxic chemical exposures.

Physiology and Behaviors of Children

• Higher metabolic and respiratory rates

• Rapid growth rate

• Hand-to-mouth contact

• High curiosity

Are children living in drug labs impacted?

Children living at drug labs are exposed to immediate dangers, unsanitary living conditions and the ongoing effects of chemical contamination.  In addition, they may be subjected to abuse, exposed to domestic violence and have easy access to firearms.

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Health Effects

• Poor hygiene

• Malnourishment

• Respiratory ailments

Social Effects

• Toddler: Play violently

• Childhood: Isolated from mainstream society

• Adolescence: Focus on using and manufacturing drugs

Emotional Effects

• Insecure

• Withdrawn

• Low self-esteem

In response to this problem, Washington communities are forming interdisciplinary teams to identify the children at risk, implement response policies, and develop resources to appropriately meet the children's needs.

For Drug Endangered Children information, see DEC Resources.

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For more information, contact:

Gregory B.McKnight II  (360) 236-3381

Lori Hall (360) 236-3386

Back to the Clandestine Drug Lab Program

In Washington State

• Tacoma-Pierce County, Drug Endangered Children Protocol pdf 15 kb

• Stevens County Sheriff's Office, Meth Site Child Response Protocol pdf 28 kb

  In California State

• Medical Protocols for Children Found at Meth Lab Sites, DEC Resource Center

• Riverside County, CA, DEC Program

Other States

• Idaho State Police, DEC Conference 2004

Web Resources

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Web Resources

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CDL Legislation (locating state and federal bills)

Clandestine Drug Lab Programs

Community Awareness

Drug Endangered Children Resources 

Environmental Issues

Health Issues

Landlords and Property Owners

Law Enforcement

Methamphetamine

Motel Managers and Owners

Publication Clearinghouses

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DOH Home | Access Washington | Privacy Notice | Disclaimer/Copyright Information Clandestine Drug Lab Program Office of Environmental Health and Safety Washington State Department of Health 243 Israel Road S.E. Tumwater, WA  98501   PO Box 47825 Olympia, WA  98504-7825 (360) 236-3385 1(888) 586-9427 Send inquiries about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office. For comments or questions regarding this Web site, please send email to EHS Web Coordinator.

  Last Update : 10/23/2007 09:32 AM