Central to many childcare proceedings is the use of forensic testing to determine patterns of drug or alcohol use by a parent. Public Law Outline (PLO) proceedings aim to resolve such cases swiftly, within a target timeframe of 26 weeks. The PLO model, which ultimately aims to keep cases out of court, was designed to put the child first and to support the Local Authority to keep children with their families, wherever possible. 

FTS was set up 15 years ago solely to work on family law and child protection. We are trusted by over 50 Local Authorities and hundreds of solicitor firms across the UK to support children and families through the PLO process.  

For something as important as a family court proceeding, you can’t rely on the standard “off-the-shelf” lab drug test offered by many companies. With the PLO mandate to get things right from the outset, you can be confident that FTS’s expert interpretation of all laboratory results will get you the right outcome for your case.  

This is particularly important given that, in the PLO, pre-proceedings assessments must stand and are not to be repeated in care proceedings unless necessary and there are strong reasons to support this. Further assessments inevitably lead to a delay in welfare decisions being made for a child. 

By becoming the instructed partner with the local authority, FTS’s expert assessment of all available evidence enables the court to arrive at the right decision the first time, based on the “balance of probabilities” required by the court.  

Expert interpretation removes uncertainty, which means that all parties in a case can rest assured that they get the right evidence required in the pre-proceedings stage. It also means they avoid unnecessary delays or complications, such as disputed test results, later down the line. FTS is regularly instructed to review tests carried out by other companies, so instructing FTS’s expert opinion from the outset helps avoid unnecessary and costly retesting. 

Why choose FTS to support your case?

From a customer perspective, there is very little difference in the process of instructing an expert compared to ordering a test from a laboratory that uses cut-off levels. With FTS, you can instruct with just one telephone call. A dedicated Case Manager will advise you throughout the process. 

FTS stands out in the forensic testing market for its commitment to accuracy, transparency, and client support. Unlike many other laboratories, FTS does not rely on arbitrary cut-off levels to report its findings. The UK High Court and Court of Appeal have both clearly stated that cut-offs are unsuitable for evidence in court, yet FTS is the only company who heeds this guidance. At FTS, every drug and alcohol toxicology result is thoroughly reviewed by experienced forensic experts who provide clear, actionable reports insights  

Given the complexities of hair-strand analysis, relying solely on laboratory results without context is insufficient. Forensic experts provide critical insights by reviewing all available evidence, including test results, client histories, and environmental factors. This holistic approach ensures that findings reflect the reality of the individual’s circumstances, helping local authorities and courts make informed decisions. 

FTS leads the industry in expert interpretation, offering detailed reports that go beyond basic test results. By incorporating client questionnaires and considering external factors, FTS ensures a comprehensive understanding of each case. 

FTS also prioritises a secure and reliable chain of evidence. Using mobile clinics, samples are collected in sterile environments, ensuring the integrity of the evidence from collection to analysis. These mobile units enable quick sample collection, often within two days, with expert reports available in as little as 7-8 days. 

Moreover, FTS’s client questionnaires offer valuable context by exploring the individual’s environment, lifestyle, and personal habits. This approach helps build trust with clients and ensures that social workers and legal professionals have all the necessary information to make sound decisions. 

How FTS’s Instruct an Expert service supports PLO: 

• It is the only way to ensure the full facts of the case are known and reported on
• It reduces the time that care proceedings take to conclude
• It ensures the full evidential picture is gathered and interpreted from the outset, minimising the need for second opinions or retesting of disputed results
• Assessments carried out pre-proceedings are to stand as evidence in care proceedings and are not to be repeated, thereby reducing unnecessary costs and delays. 

By providing accurate, comprehensive forensic toxicology and expert interpretation, FTS helps ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of children and their families. The PLO process is complex and emotionally charged, but with the right evidence and expert support, it is possible to achieve the right outcome the first time. 

Contact us

For more information how FTS can support your case, contact us on 01924 480272 or email expert@forensic-testing.co.uk