STATE CALLS METH IMPACT CHILD ABUSE

MASON CITY -- The number of babies born each year to methamphetamine-using
mothers is not tracked by the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS), but
the state agency does record the presence of illegal drugs.

It is considered a form of child abuse, under Iowa law. A charge of
"presence of illegal drugs" can be issued when a child is exposed to illegal
drugs at any time between birth and 18 years old.

In Cerro Gordo County, during 2003, there were 47 counts. Statewide, there
were 1,167 such accusations according to DHS statistics.

Jeannie Robertson, a DHS supervisor, said she is seeing a rise in the number
of children exposed to methamphetamine -- sometimes by merely witnessing
their parents using the drug.

"For people who use meth, that becomes their first and foremost priority and
their needs to procure that drug will supercede the needs of their kids,"
she said.

When DHS workers are alerted that a parent is using methamphetamine, they
seek a court order to test the child and parent for the drug. If a doctor
believes a newborn was exposed before birth, he can order a test without a
court order.

Indicators could include the baby not eating well, being irritable or having
low muscle tone, and a history of drug abuse or lack of prenatal care by the
mother, said Cheryl Gentz, a social worker at Mercy Medical Center-North
Iowa.

If the test for meth is positive, DHS workers can seek a court order to
remove the child from the home.

"The struggle with us is that you do not want to separate a child from a
mother, especially a newborn," Robertson said.

If the child remains with a parent, despite a positive test, the parent is
frequently screened for drugs. In cases where the child is removed from the
home, the infant usually stays with a relative or in a foster home until the
parent can prove the home is safe and drug free.

If the mother is unable to provide a safe home after sixth months to three
years, DHS seeks termination of parental rights.

Positive tests for methamphetamine occur about every two months, said Mason
City pediatrician Dr. David Little. The number is increasing.

"These children are more likely to be born with birth defects such as cleft
palate, eye problems and other major abnormalities," he said.

" 'Meth babies' often suffer a decreased rate of physical growth and have
delays in motor development.

"The rate of major birth defects has increased six-fold with methamphetamine
exposure," Little said, "and some are born addicted to meth so they suffer
painful withdrawal."

- -- Globe Gazette reporter Kristin Buehner contributed to this report.