Racine program helps 200 kids in drug environments

RACINE, Wis. (AP) — During drug raids, police in Racine usually look for weapons, drug paraphernalia and other illegal items.

These days, they're also looking for kids.

The Journal Times reports that since 2009, Racine police have partnered with the Racine County Human Services Department and the Racine County District Attorney's Office on a program that requires officers to contact human services when they come across a child exposed to drug abuse or trafficking.

Since then, more than 200 children have been taken into human services custody for assessment.

Youth and Family Division Manager Kerry Milkie says the effort has helped protect dozens of children whose abuse and neglect might never have been identified.

It's also led to dozens of added charges for parents who neglected or placed their kids in harm's way.