• The 2nd Annual National DEC Conference October 3–5, 2005 (Several Papers)
• Drug Endangered Children - Initial Response Forms
• National Jewish Research Center Methamphetamine Research - Synopsis
  
• Memorandum of Understanding
• Protocol for Investigating Child Protection Referrals Involving the Operation of "Clandestine Labs" 
  
• National Protocol for Medical Evaluation of Children Found in Methamphetamine Labs
  
• Methamphetamine and Pregnancy
  
• Child Abuse and Neglect
  
• Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs FAQ #1
  
• Medical Evaluation of Children Removed from Clandestine Labs FAQ #2
  
• How to Care for Children Removed from a Drug Endangered Environment FAQ #3

Compiled and edited by: Theresa A. Spahn, Executive Director, Office of the Child’s Representative.

View or download the forms
 

Authors: John W. Martyny, Ph.D., CIH - Associate Professor, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Shawn L. Arbuckle - Industrial Hygiene Program Coordinator, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Charles S. McCammon, Jr., Ph.D., CIH - Senior Industrial Hygienist, Tri-County Health Department, Eric J. Esswein, MSPH, CIH, CIAQP - Senior Industrial Hygienist, National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health, Nicola Erb - Epidemiologist, National Jewish Medical and Research Center.

In the year 2002 the National Clandestine Laboratory Database reported 8,911 clandestine laboratory seizures. Over ninety percent of these were methamphetamine production and over 2078 incidents involved children. First responders and children alike are exposed to toxic and hazardous chemical exposure. Many of the hazards of this illicit process and the type of exposure have not been studied extensively, and are therefore unknown. According to the El Paso Intelligence Center, the increase of methamphetamine production has resulted in at least one methamphetamine laboratory in every state of the union in 2002. In January 2003, National Jewish Hospital and Research center began to study the harmful effects of methamphetamine labs to first responders and children through various methodologies, including: controlled lab studies, field controlled lab studies and surveys. The study expanded its scope..read the entire synopsis.
 

Author: Larimer County

This memorandum of understanding, made this 1st day of April 2003 by and between the Larimer County Department of Human Services, 2555 Midpoint Drive, Suite E, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525, hereinafter referred to as LCDHS, and Larimer County Drug Task Force, 300 Laporte, Fort Collins, CO 80521, hereinafter ref erred....read the entire memorandum.
 

Author: Larimer County

Screening Procedures – Intake Specialists in the Hub

• Basic identifying information and household composition. Regular screening criteria applies...read the entire protocol.
   

Author: DEC Doctors

Read or Download the PDF document
 

Author: Dr. Kathryn Wells

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy is believed to place the unborn fetus at risk. Methamphetamine causes increased maternal blood pressure and heart rate, which can result in premature delivery or spontaneous abortion. The drug also constricts blood vessels in the placenta that feed the fetus which results in reduced blood flow to the fetus and ultimately reduced oxygen and nutrient supply. It is known....read or download entire paper.
 

Author: Dr. Kathryn Wells

There are several aspects of child abuse and neglect in drug-endangered homes. The environments themselves are frequently so dangerous that simply allowing a child to live there constitutes child endangerment. Substance abuse also affects the caregiver's ability to parent, placing the child at additional risk for abuse and neglect..read or download entire paper.
 

Author: Dr. Kathryn Wells

What is a clandestine lab?
A clandestine laboratory is simply defined as a place where preparation of illegal substances takes place. These ‘labs’ are used to manufacture drugs, explosives and even biological or chemical weapons. Most often, the labs are used to manufacture methamphetamine, a potent illegal stimulant drug..read or download entire paper.
 

Author: Dr. Kathryn Wells

When should someone removed from a clandestine laboratory be medically evaluated?
All symptomatic persons should be evaluated by medical personnel immediately upon decontamination. Asymptomatic adults may not require additional medical intervention. It is recommended that all children removed from clandestine labs be evaluated by a practitioner qualified to perform a complete pediatric evaluation wi thin...read or download entire paper.
 

Author: Dr. Kathryn Wells

How should a child removed from a drug endangered environment be cared for?
All children removed from drug endangered environments need as much, if not more, love and kindness as any other child placed away from their biological home. Often children in drug endangered environments are witnesses to violence and may even be victims of neglect and abuse. Therefore, they need an environment that ensures as much stability, consistency and safety as possible. Like all children..read or download entire paper.