9 CAR pt. 40, Appendix D. Protocol for Family Service Workers - Responding to Methamphetamine and Meth Lab Exposure of Children

APPENDIX D: PROTOCOL FOR FAMILY SERVICE WORKERS - Responding To Methamphetamine and Meth Lab Exposure of Children 06/2004 The Family Service Worker will: A. If discovering a meth lab or suspecting the presence of chemicals being used to make methamphetamine during a home visit or child maltreatment investigation, leave the house, depart the immediate area, contact law enforcement and call the Hotline to report the child maltreatment. B. Remain away from the house until after law enforcement has responded to the call and secured the house and the people inside. C. Advise the law enforcement officers about any children that are in the house. D. Do not enter the house as there may be a risk of self-contamination. E. If called to a meth lab site by law enforcement, respond to the call, but not enter the house. F. Be sure to put on a pair of disposable Nitrile gloves. G. When the child(ren) are brought out of the house, touch them only with gloved hands. Discuss with law enforcement the children’s estimated level of contamination and what degree of decontamination is needed. H. If the law enforcement officers or other personnel at the scene have decontamination equipment, allow them to decontaminate the children. If there is no decontamination equipment on site, drape a non-contaminated material (e.g., blanket or plastic) around the child(ren) like a cape, head to foot before placing the children in any vehicle. (the FSW will keep a blanket or plastic sheeting in his or her car for use in these cases.) Ensure that the children have something on which to rest their feet. I. Transport the child(ren) to an appropriate medical facility previously identified in the city/county where they can be medically examined, tested for exposure and decontaminated, if still necessary. Remember that part of the reason for the medical examination is to collect evidence that the children have been exposed to methamphetamine and/or the chemicals used in a meth lab. J. When decontamination, medical testing and medical examination have been completed, follow the appropriate DCFS policies and procedures for placing the child(ren) in out-of- home care. K. If the children have not yet been decontaminated, be sure to advise the foster parents of the immediate need to shower or bathe the children with soap and water. Also instruct the foster parents to clean their shower or bathtub with dishwashing liquid and water afterward. Advise the foster parents to dispose of the children’s contaminated clothes. Do not try to wash the clothes, as this will spread the contamination. L. Advise the foster parents of the immediate need for some new clothes since the child(ren) were not allowed to bring anything (clothes, toys, etc.) from the meth lab sight. In accordance with PUB-30: Foster Parent Handbook (see Clothing section) the Family Service Worker (FSW) will assess, with the foster parent, which items of clothing are needed and issue the authorized amount of clothing allowance. Purchases will be made using the DHS-1914 process. The FSW will accompany the foster parent to the store to approve the purchase.