Out of the 12 counties that make up southwestern Montana, Silver Bow had 937 cases reported of child neglect and deprivation. No specific statistics are kept concerning how many cases involve the parents' use of methamphetamine. Clements said, referring to an average. In Clements' estimation, methamphetamine hasn't over taken alcohol as the problem in troubled families, but it is growing. It concerns veteran social workers to the point that Clements may keep statistics on methamphetamine-affected cases.
Child neglect is the most popular manifestation of methamphetamine usage.
Social workers say the drug eventually produces parents incapable of tak ing any interest in their children. That means they do not look after their chil dren's needs. Clements illustrated his point by telling of one little boy who was taken from his drug-using par ents and was surprised to learn that he's entitled to regular meals. She works with family services department program that helps protect children and, if possible, reunites parents and chil dren. Without statistics, Clements could not say how many of those children are there as a result of methamphetamine.