Parents need to know that cigarette use places their children at risk for later use of illegal drugs. The 1994 study by Columbia University's Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse demonstrated that 83 percent of those who use cocaine identify smoking cigarettes as a gateway behavior. The Journal of the American Medical Association reminds physicians, the public, and politicians that the damning case against tobacco makes opposition to its use by children a pressing, nonpartisan public health issue. Preventing the use of tobacco by our children is essential. A full range of prevention, treatment, and law enforcement activities.
Residents can work together to improve a neighborhood's appearance and deter criminals.
Government can use building codes and inspection power to increase environmental security. The task force identifies gaps and overlaps in the delivery of Federal agency services to missing children and their families. Representatives from the Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, Justice, State, and Treasury are on the task force. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children are also members. The task force prepared this directory to help law enforcement and other public and private agencies identify resources to enhance their activities and programs for missing and exploited children.