Our Mission

To reduce the impact of substance abuse on children, families and the community through the development & implementation of a comprehensive integrated strategy of: 

 

Our Vision

The El Paso and Teller Counties Alliance for Drug Endangered Children exists to create and sustain a healthy community free of substance abuse. 

The El Paso and Teller Counties Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (ADEC) was formed in 2005 as a natural progression from what initially was known as the Methamphetamine (Meth) Task Force. The Meth Task Force addressed specific issues such as health and safety, treatment services, methamphetamine lab cleanup standards, legislation, community education, and outreach to rural areas. The Meth Task Force has successfully completed several local initiatives such as the creation of the Protocols for Evaluation and Removal of Children Found in Drug Labs, a resource guide for first responders.

In El Paso County, the Meth Task Force facilitated a Memorandum of Understanding among key agencies, Inter-Agency Initial Response Protocol for Methamphetamine Labs Where Children Are Involved. Further, to enhance mutual understanding between the child welfare, substance abuse, and judicial systems, the Meth Task Force advanced best-practice guidelines for working with clients who have substance abuse issues and are also involved in the child welfare system – i.e., visitation, drug screening, multi-agency involvement, and treatment planning. 

 

ADEC has been a leader in community and professional education providing annual conferences on methamphetamine and other substance abuse issues. To link with other state initiatives, the Meth Task Force aligned with the Colorado Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (a chapter of the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children) in 2005, and works closely with that organization for training and collaboration.

 
We are partners of the Prevention Network of        

   


  and a member of the Coalition for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect