SACRAMENTO, Calif.(BUSINESS WIRE)July 29, 1997Michael Bradbury,
District Attorney, Ventura County and chair of the California Council on
Criminal Justice today released a cuttingedge guidebook for local
communities on the critical issue of children and methamphetamine labs.

The guidebook was a product of collaboration with the Governor's Office of
Criminal Justice Planning and an advisory group of experts from social
services, law enforcement, the medical community, district attorneys'
offices, and other involved organizations.

"Tragically, children are becoming the newest victims of this dangerous and
deadly drug. Under the Governor's leadership, California has taken a
leadership role on establishing statewide protocols on how to deal with this
critical policy issue," Bradbury said.

In 1996, more than 850 clandestine methamphetamine laboratories were raided
statewide by the California Department of Justice. This is up significantly
from 465 labs in 1995. Law enforcement reports documents that children are
being endangered by exposure to deadly chemicals and explosions, not to
mention neglect.

The Governor's Office of Criminal Justice Planning will designate $3.6
million for project implementation to address this problem. The funds will
be authorized over a threeyear period in Fiscal Year 199798. The goal of
the project is to stop the victimization and further abuse of California's
children.

CONTACT:

California Council on Criminal Justice

Suzanne Miller, 916/3249136

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA

BW0228 JUL 30,1997