Pubdate: Sun, 04 Sep 2005
Source: Stephenville Empire-Tribune (TX)
Copyright: 2005 Stephenville Empire-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.empiretribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3069
Author: Sara Vanden Berge, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

SHERIFF'S OFFICE ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR CHILDREN REMOVED FROM HOMES

A new law that took effect Thursday now gives law enforcement officers the 
authority to remove children without a court order from homes where 
methamphetamine is being used or produced.

"Meth is one of the biggest problems we have to deal with," said Erath 
County Sheriff Tommy Bryant. "It's cheap, easy to make and easy to conceal, 
which makes it hard to detect."

Bryant said the majority of people in the Erath County jail are there for 
some type of drug-related offense. But many of the smallest and most 
innocent victims of the growing drug problem go undetected.

Children of meth users are often neglected and abused. Their health is at 
risk due to the chemical contamination that using and producing the drug 
generates.

In response to the new law, the Sheriff's office is requesting donations of 
FEMA emergency blankets, car seats (new or used), clothing and basic 
hygiene products for these children.

However, toys or other entertainment items are not needed.

"When we get these kids, they can't take anything with them, including 
their clothes, because they are contaminated, which is why we are asking 
for donations," Bryant said.

Anyone interested in donating items can drop them off at the Sheriff's office.

"They can bring them right out here to me," Bryant said.

For more information call the Sheriff's office at 965-3338.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman