Drug endangered kids are the focus of a conference in Appleton this week. We've all heard the horror stories about young children found when police raid methamphetamine labs. But Andrea LeStarge, who coordinates the Drug Endangered Children Initiative through the U.S. Attorney's Office, says it's not just meth. "Cocaine, or heroin, or marijuana or prescription pills are just as dangerous to our kids," says LeStarge.
There are now fifteen counties and three Wisconsin tribes participating in the initiative, and LeStarge says part of the message at the conference will be that progress is being made. The Wisconsin Alliance for Drug Endangered Children works to provide resources and education for law enforcement, human services providers, prosecutors, medical personnel, and all others who respond to the needs of kids placed at risk by adult involvement with drugs. The third annual Drug Endangered Children Conference is today and Thursday at Appleton's Paper Valley Hotel.