This is a summary of the Michigan Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Response Protocol. This is intended to manage the safety issues of children who are found in drug labs and/or homes.  For complete details, please reference the full document.

A. INITIAL DISCOVERY: RESPONSE TO CHILDREN FOUND IN A DRUG HOME

• Responder calls 911
• DHS and law enforcement will coordinate and work together within 24 hours
• Responder does not enter home until determined safe by law enforcement

B. INITIAL DISCOVERY: RESPONSE TO CHILDREN FOUND IN METH LABS

• Only OSHA-certified law enforcement will enter a known meth lab
• Only OSHA-certified law enforcement will remove anyone from a known meth lab
• Law enforcement will wear appropriate safety gear
• No clothing (other than what the children are wearing) toys, food or drink will be removed from the home. If essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, etc. must be removed, place in sealed plastic bag.

C. PRELIMINARY MEDICAL ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN

• Within four hours of discovery, DHS or law enforcement will secure medical evaluation of children found in meth labs 

D. EMERGENCY TRANSPORT OF CHILDREN TO MEDICAL FACILITY

• If necessary, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can transport children to emergency room immediately and alert ER to possible chemical contamination

E. PHOTOGRAPHING AND DECONTAMINATION OF CHILDREN FROM METH LAB/HOME

• If possible, on scene, Law enforcement/DHS will photograph and decontaminate children in a safe/private location
• If not possible on scene,  protect responders/response vehicles from chemical residue prior to transport

F. OBTAINING URINE SAMPLE FROM CHILDREN WITHIN 4 HOURS

• A urine sample for each child should be collected within 4 hours from when the child was removed from meth home

G. FORENSIC INTERVIEW OF CHILDREN

• Appropriately trained personnel must conduct forensic interviews per DHS protocol, both on scene and within 48 hours of discovery

H. REMOVAL AND PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN

• DHS will intervene on behalf of children and determine the appropriate action and/or placement per DHS policy
• If DHS is unable to respond to the scene, any available responder should contact DHS to report the drug endangered child
• Non-DHS responders should not release children to neighbors, relatives, etc.

I.    LOCATION OF OTHER CHILDREN

• DHS will attempt to locate any and all children known to live in drug home not present at time of discovery and will arrange for forensic interviews and medical evaluations as necessary

J. DOCUMENTATION OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT

• Law enforcement will follow MSP Meth protocol
• DHS will follow DHS policy for documentation
• Appropriate responders will document in writing, photos/video any and all hazards/risk factors
• Within 24 hours after DHS determines that a child was allowed to be exposed to or have contact with methamphetamine production, DHS shall submit a petition for authorization from the court

K. COMPLETE MEDICAL EVALUATION OF CHILDREN

• Medical personnel will follow Michigan DEC Medical Protocol as required

L. PROSECUTION AND ADMINISTRATION FOLLOW-UP

• Law enforcement will complete reports/documentation of child endangerment and forward to Prosecutor
• Law enforcement will notify the local enforcing agency under       PA 259/260 for all meth related incidents
• Law enforcement, DHS and medical providers will coordinate exchange of information contained in DHS intake/investigation

M. FOLLOW-UP CARE FOR CHILDREN

• DHS will ensure all necessary follow-up evaluations and treatment are provided to children
• DHS will collaborate with health care providers and children’s care givers
• DHS will not allow child/parent visits to occur in homes that formerly housed meth labs unless it has been cleaned pursuant to PA 258 and 260 (check with local health department to confirm).