PCSAO
has taken an active leadership role in preparing this protocol tool
kit as a resource for local counties, communities and regions
interested in forming local DEC Teams to overcome obstacles when
addressing methamphetamine and other drugs; and to capitalize on
opportunities for professional disciplines to coordinate efforts to
protect children through an intersystem, multidisciplinary approach.
Who are Drug Endangered Children?
Drug Endangered Children are those children who are physically or
psychologically harmed or neglected as a result of being exposed to:
illegal drugs, persons under the influence of illegal drugs, or
dangerous environments where drugs are made or chemicals used to
make drugs are readily available.
How DEC Teams and Programs Help?
The key
to helping and protecting drug endangered children is through an
intersystem, multidisciplinary approach that involves collaborating
and coordinating services between law enforcement, public safety,
child protection, health care, courts, schools and social services.
Much like the approach used by Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs)
across Ohio, which allow many of these same professional to work
together when intervening in child abuse cases.
DEC Protocol Tool Kit--The
DEC Protocol Tool Kit is a great resource for local communities in
their fight against meth and other drugs; and most important –
protecting children!!
