As we fight to address growing concerns over the use and manufacture of drugs in our communities, we cannot overlook those most profoundly impacted; the children of drug users. Children living in drug environments are ill equipped to confront the physical and psychological impact brought about by guardians involved in drug use. Seldom do those addicted to drugs seek out help for themselves or their families. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us to be diligent in identifying and reporting families impacted by controlled substance abuse.
Eighty-nine percent of all children placed in protective custody are removed from their homes due to the presence of methamphetamine. One third of all seized meth labs have children present on the scene. Often the lab is found in a child’s room. Meth use heightens the sex drive of the user, often resulting in abuse of children living in the household. Children, especially under the age of 10 years, often face repeated physical harm as a result of meth use by a parent. Numbers such as these clearly indicate that we in Natrona County are faced with an epidemic.
Our responsibility, as citizens, is to learn the signs and symptoms of drug use and to be pro-active in reporting not only the user, but in helping children who live in these environments. Become a Foster Parent, Court Appointed Special Advocate, or volunteer your time to work with kids removed from their homes because of drugs. Alone, law enforcement is ill equipped to successfully fight this battle. As a community, we can succeed in identifying, rescuing, and supporting Casper’s Drug Endangered Children.
Tom Pagel
Chief of Police
Casper Police Department
