Iowa Drug Engangered Children Project

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Iowa Governors Office of Drug Control Policy will increase the capacity of Iowa communities, including the criminal justice system, to protect children endangered by parental and caregiver drug abuse through the Drug Endangered Children (DEC) program. DEC is a multi-disciplinary initiative designed to break the cycle of neglect and abuse associated with substance abuse by caregivers. This approach leverages the resources of the criminal justice, human services, and public/private health systems to address the safety and well-being of drug endangered children, and hold drug using parents accountable. The program also assists families in obtaining substance abuse treatment and other family-based assistance. The Iowa Governors Office of Drug Control Policy will enhance DEC- related guidance, training materials, and a web site, by standardizing and improving training for established and emerging local DEC teams, and expanding the number of DEC teams across the state.

NCA/NCF