Growing Concern for a Widespread Problem
MADD continues to receive an increasing number of alarming calls from concerned individuals regarding children riding with substance impaired drivers. Many of these calls indicate that reports filed with state agencies are slipping through the cracks, putting children at greater risk of victimization. There does not seem to be relief for the problem because of the lack of public awareness of child endangerment as it relates to Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated (DUI/DWI). MADD has identified common problems surrounding this type of child endangerment. The most common problems are: • Cases are not properly charged, resulting in a lack of prosecution; • Properly charged cases are often pled down or dismissed; • Reports made to child protective agencies that don’t result in findings; • A general lack of awareness of the breadth and scope of the issue; • Divorced parents who are confronted with this issue face legal challenges and the financial risk of subjecting themselves to civil contempt actions by refusing visitation privileges;
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker