Child Protective Services

Perhaps the most disturbing consequences of meth are the children who live with those who produce and use the drug and become innocent victims of its harmful effects. To address this problem, Washington State took direct action to provide services designed to help these children get the care they need and to place them into safe, healthy environments through the State's Child Protective Services (CPS).

Some of the steps taken came out of the Drug Endangered Children's (DEC) subcommittee, appointed by the Washington State Governor's Methamphetamine Coordinating Committee to examine existing national and local DEC programs, research pertinent legal issues, and identify best practices. The subcommittee's work resulted in the development of the We Care Plan, which, among other issues, addressed the role of Child Protective Services (CPS).

Under that plan, the subcommittee provided some basic protocols that are being adopted in counties throughout the state:

1. Respond at the scene.
2. Accept transfer of custody of child: Attempt to locate and coordinate removal of children that are not on the premises.
3. Call referral into CPS office.
4. Coordinate collection of a urine sample, whenever possible within four hours of assuming custody (To accurately document the child's exposure to drugs, a urine sample should be collected as soon as possible after assuming custody. Samples collected beyond twelve hours are unreliable.) Sample may be collected at a medical facility or in the field by specially trained professionals.
5. Arrange for decontamination of child: At the site, provide clean clothing and wash exposed skin, either using paper towels, soap, and water, or packaged pre-moistened wipes. Child is bathed at the receiving home.
6. Conduct initial interview with child: Forward appropriate reports to law enforcement and prosecutor.
7. Transport child to receiving home or medical facility:
1. Items from the drug lab site are left on site and not taken with the child.
2. Transport vehicle should have disposable car seat covers and infant and child car seats.
8. Make placement assessment: Foster care vs. Relative care.
9. Court makes legal determination within 72 hours of assuming custody.
10. Receiving home arranges a medical exam through child's primary medical provider:
1. Within 24 hours for child with suspected illness.
2. Within 7-14 days for child who does not exhibit illness.