Summary
“The key benefit to children, with respect to the law enforcement DEC approach, is earlier identification and intervention, which will assist in breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect for the next generation. This in turn gives children a greater opportunity to receive more timely and relevant interventions from other disciplines. Additionally, the DEC approach offers law enforcement several opportunities to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in their response to drug endangered children. Opportunities to increase efficiency and effectiveness include the following: expanded knowledge of and access to other disciplines; greater willingness of other agencies to provide information to law enforcement investigations; enhanced knowledge of evidence gathering, increasing law enforcement’s ability to file all applicable charges; improved crime reporting; increased crime prevention; heightened morale and job satisfaction.”—Page 7.