In our view, we must ensure the environment a child is being placed into is safe, and therefore that it is both logical and crucial to incorporate mandatory substance testing during welfare checks following reports of substance abuse.

We believe that by enforcing mandatory testing, social workers and law enforcement officers can make more informed decisions regarding the immediate removal of a child from potentially dangerous settings. This approach could also provide an objective basis to court decisions regarding custody and make sure the welfare of the child is upheld as a paramount concern. We think it is imperative to create and enforce clear policies for conducting mandatory drug and alcohol testing during child welfare checks.