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Marc Giauque reporting The people who oversee children in state custody say their caseload is rapidly growing, and meth is a large reason why.
Deputy Director of the Division of Child and Family Services Jack Green says it's all part of the cycle that, in Utah, largely involves women. "Women are the primary caregiver in the home. When the woman is affected by meth, the children are too often neglected. When they're neglected, they often are at risk of abuse," he said.
Green says children whose parents are struggling with meth also tend to stay in state custody longer, adding to the caseload.
The division is asking the Legislature to fund 14 new caseworkers. It will cost more than $1 million.
