LOGANSPORT, IND. (Jan. 22, 2013) - The Cass County Sheriff's Department and the Indiana Department of Child Services are encouraging community members to report incidents of suspected methamphetamine production and use. Cass County is among those Indiana areas battling this illegal drug and the impact it's having on Hoosier families.

According to the Indiana State Police, 12 meth labs were seized in Cass County in 2011, with 68 meth-related arrests.

"Meth has been called the most addictive illegal drug in America," said Sheriff Randy Pryor, who stresses that meth use isn't contained to any age group.  "Some inmates come into our jail with so much meth in their bodies it takes them nearly a week to come down from their high." The drug controls the abuser so much that they will often lose their home, personal possessions and even children to simply get high one more time."

Pryor says with meth use "property crimes, car thefts and identification theft soar because addicts need money for their habit."

But meth use also affects children. Local DCS Director Brian Brown says meth use in the home escalates the risk of child abuse and neglect. "Sadly, meth use can cause parents to neglect their children's most basic needs, like safe supervision, being fed, and general health and hygiene," said Brown. "The risk gets even worse when meth is produced in the home, where children are exposed to hazardous chemicals and possibly even fire or explosion."

Pryor says his department heavily relies on the support and information local citizens provide about the use and production of meth. In about 25 percent of Cass County's meth investigations, children are found in the home.  Pryor encourages anyone aware of meth activities or illegal drug use to make an anonymous report to the Sheriff's department at 574.722.6060.  This number is answered around the clock by a dispatcher. "The best way that citizens can help our community is to get involved and call local law enforcement," said Pryor.  "You may believe it's only a minor piece of information but it could turn out to be extremely valuable as we continue to fight this meth epidemic."

DCS must also rely on community members to help protect children. In Indiana, all citizens are required to report incidents of child abuse and neglect.  "We look to neighbors, friends, family members and other community members as first responders in helping protect children," said Brown.  Anyone suspecting abuse or neglect should contact the child abuse and neglect hotline at 800.800.5556.

About Indiana Department of Child Services:
DCS is committed to protecting children who are victims of abuse or neglect.  The agency's primary goal is to safely keep these children at home with their families by offering appropriate support services.  If safety continues to be a concern, children are placed with relatives or in foster care.  DCS also oversees adoptions from the foster care system and manages the child support bureau.  The Kids First Trust Fund, supported by the sale of 'Kids First' specialty automobile license plates, subsidizes programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect.  Indiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline:  800.800.5556  www.in.gov/dcs.

###