Every year the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation receives thousands of reports of children who are living in environments where they’re possibly exposed to illegal drugs.
According to the TBI, a drug endangered child is one whose brain or body has been affected because of his or her parent’s use of drugs or alcohol during pregnancy, or a child who is living in a home where drugs are abused or illegally made or sold.
Often times, substance abuse can also be linked to child abuse, especially in the foster care system.
People in certain professions may be able to identify risks to children earlier than others. Teachers, law enforcement officers, camp counselors, utility workers, medical workers and people in nurse-family partnerships are more likely to notice signs.
For more information on how you can help, as well as an extensive list of potential signs of a drug endangered child, please visit this link.
If you suspect a child is drug endangered, contact 1-877-866-6384, or to report suspected child abuse and neglect, contact the Loudon County E-911 Center at 865-458-9081 or Tennessee Department of Children’s Services at 1-877-237-0004. In case of an emergency or life-threatening situation, call 911.
