I am new to this group and joined in hopes of learning more about
lead poisoning and what are the actual effects on a child.

There are two children that I advocate for in the courts. The Child
Protective Services have removed three of the youngest boys and two
of these boys have had repeatedly increasing lead levels, although
the levels were not checked for many years.

The first lead level was 5 at 18 months, then level 10 at age 3. No
levels taken until age 12 (and the child has not been in a lead based
paint environment since 2004) and the level is 14.

What should be done in a situation like this?

I am quite certain the lead poisoning has a lot to do with the
behavior problems these children experience in school and at home,
although not all the blame can be placed on the lead.

These children are out of control, behaviorally, they are now being
charged with felony breaking into a building. Any decent attorney
would be able to get rid of this charge because there is not a
building at this junkyard and no fence around it, AND it is across
the street from the playground.
http://www.hope4kidz.org (pic on home page)

I do not know how accountable these children can, or should, be
held. The boys are 12 & 13. The 12 year old has the cognitive
functioning of the second half of first grade (so 6-7 year old), with
the IQ of 77. This child has the most problems functioning in his
world. He will fall apart at the smallest things and when he falls
apart, it is not uncommon for him to have to be taken to the ER in
order to bring him back to earth.

The child who has a lead level of 14, is not being treated for the
lead and until we get the lead out of his body, how will we know what
we are dealing with?

My fear is that this child is going to end up in a long-term psyche
hospital or jail for juveniles. In Texas, jail for juveniles is
called the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) and sentencing a child to TYC
is worse than most adult prisons. Our TYC has been under siege by
various commissions because of the abuse of kids in TYC.

Is a blood level of 14 something to be concerned about?
If so, what should be done?
Does lead levels from infancy to teens create such serious cognitive
and behavioral problems?

Thank you for any suggestions,

Joanna Wright
Hope4KidZ, Inc.
http://www.hope4kidz.org