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. We are gathering information about drug and alcohol testing that children’s social care services in the United Kingdom carry out where there are signs and/or concerns that a parent’s drug or alcohol use may be affecting their parenting. We are interested in drug and alcohol testing that is not directed by the family court or part of family court proceedings.

What is the name of the local authority?

1. Does your organisation commission or carry out drug testing or breathalyse parents where there are concerns about substance use? Yes/NO

2. Does the organisation have policy and criteria for testing parents? YES/NO
(if so please share your policy and protocol? URL/PDF attach to returned questionnaire

3. At what point in children’s social care proceedings are tests carried out ?
In the context of early help to families? YES/NO
When Child in Need procedures are in place ? YES/NO
When Child Protection procedures are in place ? YES/NO
Post proceedings with the child at home? YES/NO
Please add more information if needed.

4. Who carries testing out?
Dedicated substance use social worker? YES/NO
All social workers? YES/NO
Family support/early help service? YES/NO
Substance use treatment service
(on behalf of children’s social care) ? YES/NO
Other?
Please add more information if needed.

5. What substances are tested for?
Alcohol YES/NO
Crack cocaine/cocaine YES/NO
Illicit and prescribed opiates YES/NO
Cannabis YES/NO
Amphetamines
Benzodiazepines
Ketamine
Methamphetamines
Other?

6. What kind of tests are carried out?
Breathalyser YES/NO
Oral fluid tests YES/NO
Urine tests YES/NO
Hair strand tests YES/NO
SCRAM alcohol bracelet YES/NO
Alcohol blood test YES/NO
Other?
Please add more information if needed.

7. Where are tests conducted Social services offices YES/NO
In parents’ homes YES/NO
Substance use treatment services YES/NO
Somewhere else?
Please add more information if needed.

8. Are samples analysed:
Immediately by social worker/substance use practitioner etc. YES/NO
Sent away for analysis? YES/NO

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?