San Diego County officials have removed more than 2,200 children from homes where meth or other drugs were present during the last ten years. County officials were joined today by the nation's drug czar to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the county's Drug Endangered Child Program . KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.
San Diego County's Drug Endangered Child program began in 1998 as a pilot program in North County.
The program coordinates the efforts of law enforcement, the District Attorney's office and County Health and Human Services on behalf of children who live in houses where drugs are present.
Over the years, the program has grown and is now countywide.
U.S. Drug Czar John Walters says its been a proving ground for similar programs around the country.
Walters: The goal is to continue to follow through on regulation, law enforcement, care and treatment. That is a challenge at times as other competing needs call out for government support. But that makes it all the more important to use programs that bring together key elements.
Of the more than 2,000 children removed from homes where drugs were present, 180 tested positive for drugs. Sixty-six who tested positive were under age six.
Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
