Pubdate: Wed, 02 Apr 2003
Source: Crossville Chronicle, The (TN)
Copyright: 2003 The Crossville Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.crossville-chronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1972
Author: Jim Butler

METH AFFECTS CHILD ABUSE IN COUNTY

The cooking and use of methamphetamine has ruined many lives here in 
Cumberland County, and the ones that seem to be affected most are the 
helpless children who are exposed to the deadly drug.

The Upper Cumberland Region of the Tennessee Department of Children's 
Services covers 14 counties including Cumberland. There are currently 650 
children from the region in foster care. Of that number, 395 are located in 
a foster home outside their county and 127 are in a home outside this region.

In 2002 there were a total of 31 children removed from their homes in 
Cumberland County. The first two months of 2003 have seen 24 kids taken 
from their homes already and all have been due to the presence of 
methamphetamine in the home.

According to Amanda Cravens, who works for the state of Tennessee in foster 
care recruitment, "The abuse caused by methamphetamine is present in more 
ways than one. Just being in the presence of the drug being cooked is one 
way and sometimes the drug use can result in the kids being physically harmed."

Cravens said, "Once the children are removed from a home, there is very 
little chance that they will be allowed back. We are pushing hard now in 
searching for other relatives to take care of the kids." She added, "We are 
always in need of homes. More and more grandparents and aunts and uncles 
are raising children of meth parents."

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Wednesday, April 2, is being 
celebrated as a "Day of Hope." Cravens said that the month will be spent 
trying to get the word out regarding the prevention of child abuse. There 
will also be a foster parenting class beginning on April 29 at the 
Tennessee Technology Center. The initial meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. 
and the class lasts for 10 weeks with one class per week.
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MAP posted-by: Beth