Meth linked to increased crime and higher foster home demand
Submitted on July 5, 2005 - 12:00am.
Adrien M. Martin - Summer 2005
WASHINGTON – Five years ago, county officials across the nation could not have predicted their jails would be flooded with criminals locked up for meth-related crimes, or that the drug would spur greater foster care demands.
The National Association of Counties reported Tuesday that methamphetamine – an inexpensive, easy-to-make stimulant – is now the top drug problem in more than half of 500 counties surveyed in 45 states, and it is forcing child welfare officials to scramble to find homes for the mounting number of children with meth-addicted parents.
“This is an epidemic that is ruining lives and families and filling our jails,” said Bill Hansell, president-elect of the National Association of Counties, at a press conference to release two reports on meth. Hansell is an Umatilla County, Ore., commissioner.
The National Association of Counties reported Tuesday that methamphetamine – an inexpensive, easy-to-make stimulant – is now the top drug problem in more than half of 500 counties surveyed in 45 states, and it is forcing child welfare officials to scramble to find homes for the mounting number of children with meth-addicted parents.
“This is an epidemic that is ruining lives and families and filling our jails,” said Bill Hansell, president-elect of the National Association of Counties, at a press conference to release two reports on meth. Hansell is an Umatilla County, Ore., commissioner.
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