theguardian.com
Flawed Drug Tests Risk Wrongful Child Removals
Hair strand drug tests in family courts are being misinterpreted, potentially leading to wrongful child removals due to racial bias and outdated testing methods.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsSocial JusticeChild WelfareLegal IssuesBiasDrug Testing
Forensic Testing Service LtdSociety Of Hair TestingBirth Companions4PbMsb Solicitors
Paul HunterSir Andrew McfarlaneMr Justice HaydenMr Justice CobbKirsty KitchenLucy Logan Green
- How do factors beyond drug use affect the accuracy of hair strand drug tests?
- Factors like race, hair color, pregnancy, and environmental exposure significantly influence drug absorption in hair, causing misinterpretations of test results and potentially biased outcomes.
- What is the concern about "cut-off levels" used in interpreting hair strand test results?
- The use of "cut-off levels" in hair strand testing is outdated and doesn't account for these influencing factors, leading to inaccurate results that disproportionately affect people of African-Caribbean, African, or Asian descent.
- What is the main issue highlighted regarding hair strand drug tests used in family courts?
- Hair strand drug tests, used in family courts to determine child custody, are being misinterpreted, potentially leading to wrongful removals of children from their parents.
- What is the particular concern for pregnant women and new mothers in relation to hair strand testing?
- Concerns exist regarding the increased number of infant care proceedings and how positive hair strand tests, often without proper context, can significantly influence these cases, leading to potential wrongful child removal.
- What actions are being taken to address the concerns about the misinterpretation of hair strand test results?
- An open letter to the family division of the high court calls for urgent reform in interpreting hair strand test results, advocating for an end to discriminatory cut-off levels and contextualized interpretations.