News and Events

August 31, 2007

Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Program – Awareness Training Workshop Commands Attention

(HUDSON, Wisc.) While you may have recently read that area methamphetamine (MA) cases dropped in 2006 and that the number of meth labs was significantly reduced, St. Croix County still leads the state in the number of reported cases. In fact, Pierce, Polk, Burnett, Barron and Douglas Counties also continue to have methamphetamine problems.

Right here in our communities, innocent children are often found in homes where methamphetamine and other illegal substances are produced. Daily exposure to their parents’ or caregivers’ chaotic and drug-focused lifestyles, the toxic chemicals associated with meth production, or the drug itself profoundly impacts their lives, bringing lasting consequences to their physical and mental health while charting a disturbing course for their future.

The endangerment of children by meth and home-based laboratory exposure is a complex issue that requires multiple strategies, expertise and resources. Around the country, Drug Endangered Children (DEC) programs have been developed to identify and protect these children and break the cycle of “child abuse” and neglect that often exist.

In response to local methamphetamine concerns, efforts are underway to strengthen and expand Pierce/St. Croix County’s DEC program. On July 31, Hudson Hospital – a DEC Committee member, hosted DEC Awareness Training. Approximately 50 guests, from a wide variety of professions and agencies, attended the workshop including those from government (Senator Sheila Harsdorf, and representatives from Senator Russ Feingold ( La Crosse) and Representative Ron Kind’s ( Eau Claire) offices), city officials, law enforcement, prosecution, school, medical and mental health services, social services, and public safety. It is through collaborative effort and multidisciplinary teamwork, including business and community member involvement, that children found in these environments receive appropriate attention and care.

Guest speaker and national DEC program expert, Cindy Giese, Supervisor of the State of Wisconsin–Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (Narcotics Bureau) and Special Agent In Charge of the Wisconsin Drug Endangered Children (DEC) program, emphasized that community involvement from everyone is absolutely essential. “We need to proactively work as a team to send the message that we will not tolerate the manufacture, use or distribution of meth or other dangerous drugs in Wisconsin and that we will do whatever we can to help ensure the safety of children who are caught up in these circumstances.”

She commended guests for attending and making the commitment to learn more, while challenging them to be part of the solution.

The Drug Endangered Children Program in Wisconsin began in 2004 after a focus group of participants from a variety of professions met and learned about the National Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Program. The program was well received and further discussions were held regarding ideas for DEC in Wisconsin. DEC in Wisconsin exists on three levels: Local – “The effort” and “the response”; State – Coordination, resources and training; National – Resources and training. In 2005, the Coordinated Community Response (CCR) for Methamphetamine for Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties was formed (spear-headed by Nancy Murphy, former Aftercare Counselor with Hudson Hospital’s Programs for Change). Nancy realized the area was high in meth labs and convictions but was doing little to coordinate the care of children found in these homes.

The Pierce/St. Croix County DEC program, a sub-committee of CCR, began meeting shortly thereafter to develop its mission statement, determine focus for community awareness, and aid in protocol development under the guidance of Chairperson, Cherise Nielsen, Probation/Parole Agent (Hudson). Current Committee members include Sara Rose, RN, Emergency Care Manager, Hudson Hospital, Tim Markgraf, CFS Social Worker/St. Croix County, and John M. O’Boyle, Pierce County District Attorney. According to Sara Rose, “none of the four members have assigned roles within the Committee, but all bring very distinct and necessary perspectives to the table – Corrections/Probation/Parole, Social Services, Government and Health Care. Many more integral areas are needed including law enforcement officials, educators, emergency responders, community leaders, and treatment providers.”

Agencies or organizations interested in learning more are invited to attend the next meeting on Thursday, August 23 from 2-4 p.m. at Hudson Hospital (Clinic Conference Room). The Committee hopes to develop a core team of volunteers who will work together to align services, develop protocols, and draft a Memo of Understanding (MOU) to be used between agencies. The MOU will allow professions to come together with a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities for each phase of interaction with a drug endangered child.

For more information on the Pierce/St. Croix DEC program, contact any of the Committee members below:

Cherise Nielsen, Chairperson, 715/386-0772 or Cherise.Nielsen@Wisconsin.gov

Sara Rose, RN, (715) 531-6560 or srose@hudsonhospital.org

Tim Markgraf , CFS, timm@co.saint-croix.wi.us

John M. O’Boyle, 715/273-6750 or oboyle.john@mail.da.state.wi.us

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Hudson Hospital is an independent, non-profit community hospital since 1953, and is located just off Interstate I-94 in Hudson, WI. The hospital campus is designed with the latest technology and amenities to support whole health and healing for patients and their families. Twenty-five private hospital rooms feature private bath, garden views, guest accommodations, room service for patients and guests, and spacious room to relax or visit with family, friends and even the family pet. Hudson Hospital recognizes the important role that family and friends can play in health and recovery, and personalizes a plan of care that works best for the patient and their family. Specialty services include inpatient and outpatient care in rehabilitation, emergency care, orthopaedic care, maternity and birth, surgery, cardiology, and treatment, rehabilitation and medical imaging. Hudson Hospital , Hudson Physicians Clinic, Hudson Specialty Clinics and numerous other health care providers are conveniently located in the warm and comfortable environment of Hudson Health Campus.