Meth-Endangered Children Protection Act will create a five-year, $10 million annual competitive grant program to assist states in their efforts to set up comprehensive, drug-endangered children's (DEC) programs.

"Over the last 6 years, the SE Tennessee Meth Task force has grown to become a regional force in the interdiction of meth production and serves as a national model for local, state and federal cooperation," said Congressman Wamp.  "Now Congressman Cooper and I come together to provide much need support for the victims of the devastation of this drug.  We see that families and children are harmed seriously as this drug scourge spreads.  We should address ways for the federal government to assist state and local governments in providing services and support for the people left in Meth's wake."

DEC programs use a team approach to provide specialized services and training for the young meth victims. Teams include child protective services, the district attorney's office, the sheriff's department and public health nursing agencies. In addition, states need resource assistance to provide social worker and other professionals with training needed to provide the appropriate care to these children, and to make sure that placements in foster care or adoptive homes are successful. 

Between 2000 and 2003, approximately 10,600 children in the U.S. were either present when meth labs were seized or lived where the labs operated. Another 2,900 children were removed from their homes during the same time because of neglect or abuse by meth-addicted parents. Toxic meth emissions and residue settle on furniture, floors, and other surfaces where these children live, causing health problems. Incidents at meth labs also accounted for injuries to 96 children and the deaths of eight others.