Law enforcement, prosecutors, social service workers and others are gathering for an annual conference to help kids who face danger in the home due to drugs.
Cindy Giese, a WI Dept. of Justice special agent in charge, says a goal of the event is collecting data as to how many children are affected. As statewide coordinator of the Drug Endangered Children program, she says comprehensive data is difficult with so many different entities–police, schools or social services–making initial contact.
The most recent numbers, from 2008, show in-one-day 11 drug endangered children were contacted and given services.
Giese says agencies also want to come together for a realistic approach in dealing with the homes. “You can’t have someone in court for a criminal violation on the same day they’re supposed to be in counseling to further the rebuilding of the family,” she says.
The two-day conference continues today in Wisconsin Rapids.