"When a meth-lab discovery involves children, the first step is clearly to remove them from that dangerous situation," said Gov. Mike Johanns. "The next steps, which are equally important, have not been clearly defined until now."

Last year, more than 2,000 children nationwide were found living in homes with methamphetamine labs. Last year, Nebraska passed a law that allows officials to take children into custody for up to 48 hours to determine whether they have been exposed to methamphetamine or chemicals used in the drug's manufacture.

The new guidelines consists of forms that will make it easier for police to identify which chemicals the child may have been exposed to and help them and social workers gather medical-history information on children.

Other forms would guide physicians as to what to examine for in meth-exposed children and assist foster parents.

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