Homes, apartments, and garages where methamphetamine is cooked are so dangerous for children that Indiana and Kentucky are imposing strict rules meant to get the kids out of harm’s way, reports the Louisville Courier-Journal. The procedures include efforts to make sure child protection caseworkers are safe, because even trace amounts of the chemicals used to make meth can cause health problems, said Jim Payne of the Indiana Department of Child Services.
In both states, only specially trained law-enforcement officials — not child protection caseworkers — are to enter the toxic meth labs and remove children. Children must leave all their belongings behind, even their clothing and toys. Children are taken immediately for medical reviews, including tests to measure their exposure to solvents and other chemicals. The new procedures were just launched in Indiana.
In Kentucky, similar rules were established late last year, although they are under review and being amended.
Link: http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050722/NEWS02/507220420