State & Legislative Partnerships
The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC) is constantly seeking ways to impact communities and partner with legislative bodies to positively impact families. We have a long history of advocating for policies and programs that safeguard children and strengthen communities through collaboration, training, and education. By working alongside local leaders and organizations, we aim to build safer, more resilient environments for families affected by substance abuse, ensuring a supportive network of help for those in need.
Federal Partnership: The Drug-Endangered Children Act
H.R. 1199, the Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007, was passed by Congress and signed into law as Public Law No: 110-345 on October 7, 2008.
The law reauthorized the Drug-Endangered Children (DEC) grant program under the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), providing funding for initiatives that assist children affected by drug environments, particularly those exposed to methamphetamine production and substance use-related dangers.
We have been partnering with legislative partners on ways to expand our outreach and create impact in communities across the U.S.
Learn more about this act of congress here.
State & Local Partnerships
The National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children (NADEC) has built a robust network of state and local partnerships that form the backbone of our community impact. By aligning with state agencies, local governments, educational institutions, law enforcement, and grassroots organizations, we transform national policies into community-specific solutions.
These collaborations allow us to tap into local insights and tailor initiatives that address the unique challenges each community faces—from advancing child safety education to driving targeted awareness and support programs. Together with our state and local partners, NADEC ensures that every community can turn legislative vision into tangible, on-the-ground action for safer, healthier neighborhoods.
Tribal Community Partnerships
Drawing on NADEC’s extensive experience, our tribal community partnerships are built on mutual respect and a deep commitment to cultural sensitivity.
We work closely with tribal leadership, local health agencies, educators, and community advocates to adapt our proven multidisciplinary strategies in a way that honors tribal traditions and addresses
unique local challenges. These alliances empower Native communities to identify at-risk children early and implement tailored, culturally appropriate interventions that break the cycle of substance misuse.
By merging national best practices with indigenous wisdom and community-driven solutions, our tribal partnerships help build resilient, healthy futures for Native children and their families.
NADEC's Your impact - Bringing Help, Hope, Support
This training program was developed in partnership with and funded by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Tennessee DEC Alliance.
This hands on, interactive training focuses on how professionals have opportunities to identify and intervene as well as provide positive impacts to children and families.
It provides basic understanding about brain science and development, an overview of how to identify drug endangered children, a brief summary of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the lifelong impacts of ACEs as well as how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can help counterbalance ACEs.
SUCCESSES:
Oregon State Partnership
National DEC began its contract with the state of Oregon in 2024 to provide training and support related to drug endangered children, in collaboration with state legislation.
In early 2024, Eric Nation worked closely with Senator Tim Knopp and his legislative team to shape and support House Bill 4002 and its relationship to Measure 110 and House Bill 5204.
As part of this effort, NADEC is helping to raise awareness and educate professionals throughout the state by providing 6 in-person DEC Academy 101 trainings, DEC Training of Trainers courses, specialized DEC Summits and DEC Roadmap and Toolkit Academies.
SUCCESSES:
DEC & OFR Initiative: Safeguarding Alaska’s Future
Addresses the opioid and substance use crisis, specifically in the Mat-Su Borough in Alaska. Key partners on this Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Opioid Affected Youth Initiative grant include: the Knik Tribe, Mat-Su Valley Drug-Endangered Children (DEC) Alliance and Rulo Strategies.
We developed an Overdose Review Team to examine both fatal and non-fatal overdoses, as well as mitigate the impact of opioid use and other substances on children and youth by offering cultural gatherings and activities. Additionally, NADEC’s Crisis Bags are to be provided to children to offer immediate, comforting support to children experiencing trauma.
SUCCESSES:
Get Involved
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