![]() ![]() ![]() During evidence collection, photographs are taken from the child's perspective, of illegal drugs and/or hazards. ![]() In having a coordinated response in place, a child identified in a drug environment is provided immediately. In some communities, a memorandum of understanding is initiated that supports the effort. The team may include other professionals identified in the community such as code enforcement, public health, educators, school nurses, school social workers and more.Ī cooperative alliance is formed in the community where information is shared and there is case coordination. The multidisciplinary team approach involves local law enforcement, first responders, prosecutors, child protective services, medical and mental health professionals. When law enforcement identifies a child victim, they refer to local Child Protective Services professionals, Child Advocacy Centers (CAC), Multidisciplinary Response Teams and/or other professionals who provide a coordinated response focused on the child. May have increased risk of contamination exposure to toxic chemicals, fire and explosions and other hazardous living conditions especially in situations where methamphetamine, butane hash oil and other illegal drugs are manufactured.Ĭrime victims’ rights laws apply equally to child victims.Test positive for an illegal drug caused by inhalation, needle sticks, ingestion, or passive smoke inhalation.Witness domestic or community violence.Deficient in grooming, supervision and nurturing have inappropriate sleeping conditions and may require medical and/or dental treatment. ![]() Not receive basic care including lack of food, sanitary and safe living conditions or schooling.Be a victim of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse and/or neglect.However, the identification can be made by any of the professionals in the course of responding to related or unrelated matters. Law enforcement may be the first on scene to identify a drug endangered child. In addition, children are at risk of being forced to participate in illegal or sexual activity in exchange for drugs or money likely to be used to purchase drugs. The resulting harm to a child may be physical, sexual, emotional abuse and/or neglect traumatic stress exposure to drug paraphernalia, hazards, pornography unfit living conditions high risk behavior exposure to domestic and/or community violence. This includes the non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs. These child victims are often referred to as Drug Endangered Children (DEC).Ī drug endangered child is under the age of 18 years old and lives in or is exposed to an environment where illegal drugs are used, possessed, distributed, diverted, and/or manufactured. The VWC assists crime victims identified in DEA investigations, coordinates with local prosecutors and, as appropriate, makes referrals to child/adult protective services and local victim service providers.Ĭhildren are one of the most vulnerable identified and reported victims in drug related crime investigations. In addition, there are Victim Witness Coordinators in District, Resident and Post of Duty Offices who support the Field Division VWC. There are 23 Victim Witness Coordinators (VWC) (collateral duty) in each DEA Field Division Office. The DEA-VWAP: (1) manages the day to day operation of VWAP, case assistance, guidance and training to domestic and international offices (2) collaborates with federal, state and local law enforcement (3) coordinates with national, state and local victim organizations (4) provides awareness about child victims in drug environments and drug-related crime victimization. In addition, the Department of Justice provides guidance to federal law enforcement agencies through the Attorney General Guidelines for Victim Witness Assistance. These laws provide for fair and just treatment of crime victims, immediate emergency treatment, and referrals to appropriate child/adult service agencies. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Victim Witness Assistance Program (DEA-VWAP) was implemented as a result of victims' rights laws. ![]()
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