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Follow instructions outlined in Volume 1, Chapter VIII, Section 1407, Structured Intake of the Family Services Manual for screening criteria when there are additional allegations. A two level review is required for all CPS reports.
If the referral comes from law enforcement it should be considered a confirmed methamphetamine laboratory. It would be rare that a referral with these allegations would not be accepted for investigative assessment.
Law Enforcement should contact other appropriate law enforcement investigators to include the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Certified officer/SBI. If the report only alleges exposure to a methamphetamine laboratory and there are no other allegations, the report should be screened in as injurious environment.
In the Multiple Response System (MRS) counties, all reports of children being exposed to suspected or confirmed methamphetamine laboratories will be accepted on the forensic track.
If county Departments of Social Services receives a CPS report from someone other than law enforcement of children living in or present where the methamphetamine laboratory was located or were otherwise endangered by exposure to the drug, its ingredients, its by-products or waste, they shall gather the basic identifying information and household composition. Follow instructions outlined in Volume 1, Chapter VIII, Section 1407, Structured Intake of the Family Services Manual for screening criteria. A two level review is required for all CPS referrals. The social worker shall also gather other specific information relating to methamphetamine laboratories to include but not limited to:
• Specific description of condition of the house – fires? Safety hazards?
• Proximity of the lab to the home? In the home? In a shed in the back yard?
• Are the children present when the drug is being cooked?
• High degree of adult traffic at the home?
• Drug paraphernalia? Chemicals? Precursor List
• Surveillance equipment?
• Description of adult substance abuser behavior (paranoia, abnormal patterns, aggression, tweaker). Glossary
• Have the police ever been to the home?
• Where are the children at time of report?
Whether the report is screened out or in, DSS shall make an immediate oral and subsequent written report of that information to the district attorney or the district attorney's designee and to the appropriate local law enforcement agency within 48 hours after receipt of the information as outlined in Volume I, Chapter VIII, Section 1408 of the Family Services Manual.
When deciding whether the report is accepted for abuse, neglect, or dependency there are several things to consider.
• Where is the laboratory in relation to the children?
• Are the parents smoking methamphetamine in the home?
• Is the product being brought into the home?
• Are chemicals accessible to the children?
• Have the children been injured by the chemicals? Is the reporter aware of the children being present during a “cook?”
• Is the reporter doubtful or certain of the presence of a methamphetamine laboratory?
• Are there any other allegations of abuse, neglect or dependency?
In the Multiple Response System (MRS) counties all reports of children being exposed to suspected or confirmed methamphetamine laboratories will be accepted on the forensic track.
Referrals alleging methamphetamine use only may be accepted as a family assessment.
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office. |
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