Investigating Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Cases

This specialized training course equips law enforcement officers with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to identify, investigate, and respond effectively to cases involving Drug Endangered Children (DEC). As substance abuse continues to impact families across communities, officers are increasingly on the front lines of uncovering environments where children are exposed to drug use, manufacturing, trafficking, or neglect. Through a combination of lecture, case study, and scenario-based exercises, participants will learn to recognize signs of a drug endangered environment, collaborate with multidisciplinary partners (CPS, medical professionals, prosecutors) while maintaining investigative integrity. The course also emphasizes trauma-informed approaches and protocols that prioritize both criminal accountability and the well-being of vulnerable children.

Course Objectives:

This course will teach students to recognize the physical and behavioral indicators of a DEC environment, interviewing strategies for children and caregivers, understanding trauma and its impact on child victims as well as how to build successful cases for prosecution.

Audience:

Local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers.