CRYSTAL METH HOME LABS POSE MANY RISKS FOR KIDS

It's a toxic mix that puts kids at risk of explosions, fires and burns.

Dr. Milton Tenenbein, head of Manitoba's poison control centre, said
these dangers top the physical harms for children living in homes
where crystal meth is produced.

"These children are not living in a nurturing environment," he said.
"There are endangerment issues, and these children can be the victims
of physical and sexual abuse and at risk for neglect."

Tenenbein said contamination on a child's body and clothing can also
trigger illness but poses a less serious risk.

The province unveiled a new plan yesterday to deal with children
living in meth labs once they're found.

"Crystal meth just exploded in the states and across the world it's
second only to marijuana use," said Keith McCaskill, co-chair of the
Manitoba Meth Task Force.

"We have an opportunity to get ahead of this very serious
drug."

McCaskill said Manitoba has yet to locate a meth lab, but use levels
indicate they are present.

Forced detox

The province's Youth Drug Stabilization Act, which allows parents to
seek a court order of up to seven days for forced detox for their
child, has led to 49 referrals so far.

Stabilization orders were issued for 34 youths and about 70% of them
volunteered to seek treatment.

Children have been found in as many as one in three U.S. meth labs,
where thousands of kids have been sent to foster care due to the
problem, said Family Services Minister Gord Mackintosh.

The province's new Drug Endangered Children protocol requires agencies
to take the following steps for each child in a Manitoba meth lab:

- - Decontaminate the child in special trailers or tents through a
series of showers.

- - Provide uncontaminated clothing.

- - Conduct an immediate health assessment.

- - Conduct a Child and Family Services assessment.

- - Offer therapy, if needed.

- - Arrange for 30-day and one-year follow-up medical
assessments.

Linda Burnside, a spokeswoman for Manitoba's child protection branch,
said Manitoba's protocol is the second in Canada, adding to an Alberta
strategy.