CHILD WELFARE AGENCIES EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT METH, OTHER EFFECTS
Among the top concerns that will face American child welfare agencies in the next five years is the problem of caring for children of adults who use methamphetamine, especially in rural areas of the country where the use of the drug is high, a survey of child welfare agencies conducted by the congressional Government Accountability Office indicates. Also of concern are issues related to caring for "special needs" children and bridging cultural differences when child abuse is alleged in families. Despite the agencies' concerns, states have taken few initiatives to address them now before the problems become intractable, according to the GAO. (Reuters, 10/6/06)