What is a drug endangered child? 

   
 

A "drug endangered child" (DEC) is a person, under the age of 18, who lives in or is exposed to an environment where drugs, including pharmaceuticals, are used, possessed, trafficked, diverted, and/or manufactured illegally and, as a result of that environment:

1. The child experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse;
2. The child experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, medical, educational, emotional, or physical harm or neglect, including harm resulting from the inhalation, ingestion and/or absorption of illegal drugs; or
3. The child is forced to participate in illegal or sexual activity in exchange for drugs or in exchange for money likely to be used to purchase drugs.