Pubdate: Wed, 06 Sep 2006
Source: Wheeling News-Register (WV)
Copyright: 2006 Wheeling News Register
Contact:  http://www.news-register.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4252
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

RESCUE CHILDREN FROM METH LABS

Social services and law enforcement officials from throughout West Virginia 
will gather for a conference this week on how to help children who live in 
homes where methamphetamines are being produced.

We don't mean to sound flippant, but here's a thought: Throw their parents 
or guardians in jail and get them out of those homes.

In fairness to those involved in the conference, it needs to be pointed out 
that part of the reason for it is to discuss how to help children who have 
been removed from such homes. They face both physical and emotional 
challenges. As one State Police officer who is involved in drug 
investigations noted, "A majority of addicts use a majority of their money 
on addiction. The kids can wind up with malnutrition and can be 
underdressed." They also can be subjected to dangers of physical abuse not 
present in homes where drugs are not a preoccupation.

Children pulled out of homes where their parents are "cooking" meth need 
all the help they can be given -- so we applaud those involved in the 
conference.

But the first step in helping them needs to be getting them out of meth lab 
homes. Law enforcement agencies should make that a priority -- even above 
apprehending high-level drug dealers. If some of them have to be allowed to 
escape prosecution in order to arrest lesser offenders -- and rescue their 
children -- so be it.
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