Drug and Alcohol Testing of Parents - Find a freedom of information request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would like to request information regarding the drug and alcohol testing of parents in the context of Children's social care. 

 

1) Does your organisation commission or carry out drug testing or breathalyse parents where there are concerns about substance use

2) Does the organisation have policy and criteria for testing parents? if so please share your policy and protocol

3) At what point in children's social care proceedings are tests carried out ?

a) In the context of early help to families?

b) When Child in Need procedures are in place ?

c) When Child Protection procedures are in place ?

d) Post proceedings with the child at home?

4) Who carries testing out?

a) Dedicated substance use social worker?

b) All social workers?

c) Family support/early help service?

d) Substance use treatment service

(on behalf of children's social care) ?

e) Other?

5) What substances are tested for?

a) Alcohol

b) Crack cocaine/cocaine

c) Illicit and prescribed opiates

d) Cannabis

e) Amphetamines

f) Benzodiazepines

g) Ketamine

h) Methamphetamines

i) Other?

6) What kind of tests are carried out?

a) Breathalyser

b) Oral fluid tests

c) Urine tests

d) Hair strand tests

e) SCRAM alcohol bracelet

f) Alcohol blood test

g) Other

7) Where are tests conducted?

a) Social services offices

b) In parents' homes

c) Substance use treatment services

d) Somewhere else?

8) Are samples analysed

a) Immediately by social worker/substance use practitioner etc.

b) Sent away for analysis?

9) How is information about the test results conveyed to parents? e.g. protocols for discussion about the test results and any consequences with parents?

Please note that FOI requests are for recorded information only. The below response may not answer all questions as the information is not recorded.

1. This information is not recorded.

2. Lincolnshire County Council do not have a policy for testing parents.

3-9. This information is not recorded.