National Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Training Coming to Little Rock

Image of the National DEC logo

The Arkansas Center for School Safety is pleased to announce an upcoming training opportunity focused on supporting one of our most vulnerable populations—children impacted by substance misuse.

In partnership with the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (NADEC), we will host the DEC Awareness and DEC Approach Trainings on Tuesday, July 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Criminal Justice Institute in Little Rock.

Children living in environments affected by parental or caregiver substance misuse face significant and often unseen risks. These children are frequently the first to be harmed—but the last to be identified and receive support.

This training provides critical knowledge and practical tools for professionals across disciplines—especially those in education, school safety, law enforcement, and community services—to better identify and support drug endangered children.

Participants will complete two integrated courses:

  • DEC Awareness Training
    Focuses on understanding the risks and long-term impacts of substance misuse on children, as well as recognizing missed opportunities for early identification and intervention.
  • DEC Approach Training
    Introduces a collaborative, multidisciplinary strategy for improving outcomes for drug endangered children. The course includes interactive exercises designed to strengthen cross-agency coordination and response.

Participants will also be eligible to receive 4.0 hours of Law Enforcement Continuing Education credit.

The DEC Approach emphasizes a shared vision—bringing together educators, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community partners to identify, protect, and support affected children as early as possible. By strengthening collaboration, communities can significantly improve outcomes for children and families.

Event Details

  • Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Criminal Justice Institute (CJI), 26 Corporate Hill Drive, Little Rock, AR
  • Audience: School safety personnel, educators, law enforcement, and community partners

Registration is available through the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. 

For additional information, please contact Nikki Romer at [email protected].