Our Customers
Trusted by the Professionals Who Safeguard Children and Families
FTS works with those who shoulder some of the most difficult and important decisions in society.
Whether you work in family law, social care or you are an individual looking for answers, FTS delivers industry-leading evidence that is accurate and legally robust.
We provide the most comprehensive reports on the market, with no use of misleading Society of Hair Testing cut-off levels or filtering of results.
We provide you with a full forensic report and expert interpretation, in line with UK legal requirements, to ensure you get the results needed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Our expert forensic testing supports fair outcomes where the stakes are high and the facts matter.
Who we work with
We support professionals involved in safeguarding children, child custody cases, care proceedings, and family court, including:
Supporting the right safeguarding outcomes in Care Proceedings
FTS exists to help professionals make safe, fair and evidence-based decisions in complex cases.
Our testing is used for:
Public and private law proceeding
Cases involving suspected drug or alcohol misuse
With tight deadlines and the wellbeing of a vulnerable family hanging in the balance, we understand the pressures that come with these cases that’s why our reports are the most comprehensive on the market and are specifically designed to provide you with robust and defensible evidence at pre-proceeding stage.
How We Support You
Each profession has its own needs. Our service is designed to meet them:
Solicitors and Barristers
Evidence that supports your case and holds up in cross-examination. When instructed properly as expert opinion evidence, drug and alcohol tests can reduce costs, ensure pre-proceedings deadlines are met, and reduce the likelihood of contested evidence, supporting the correct outcomes in care proceedings the first time around.
Social workers, Guardians and Cafcass officers
Supporting informed safeguarding decisions through bespoke training on racial bias in hair strand testing, court requirements on testing, understanding results and what questions to ask when you are involved in a case requiring drug or alcohol testing.
Judges
We provide expert reports that report all findings and explain what the results mean on the balance of probabilities, in line with court guidance on reporting and interpreting results. We also provide training on how our expert reports support with PLO (Public Law Outline) timelines and on the limitations of certain methods, as well as factors to consider when reviewing reports.
Local authorities
Comprehensive support from instruction to expert witness services in court if needed. Our industry leading approach ensures that precious public funds are used appropriately and in ways that meet strict PLO deadlines. In addition to us identifying whether a client has used specifically drugs, we offer services that.
From Instruction to Report: What You Can Expect
We support every client from the moment of instruction to the final report.
Guidance on which test and report is best for you
Draft wording for Part 25s and court orders
Sample collection arranged nationwide
Testing in our UKAS-accredited laboratories
Expert interpretation from qualified forensic toxicologists
Quick delivery of reports to meet your deadlines
Expert witness services available for court appearances if required
A dedicated customer portal and case specialists who keep you updated throughout the process
Why Choose FTS for your Testing?
FTS has been a trusted partner for family law testing since 2009. We don’t just test. We interpret. We explain. We empower better decisions and push for improvements in the testing industry.
Fully accredited in-house laboratories based in the UK
Results analysed by qualified forensic toxicologists
Our expert reports include interpretation of all results, not just simplistic certificates of analysis or “yes/no” answers that miss out key evidence. We also never use Society of Hair Testing cut-off levels, which can cause racial bias and incomplete and misleading reports.
Proven expertise in complex cases, including testing newborns and children.
We have the largest UKAS accredited panel for drug testing in hair, as well as one of the largest panels for new psychoactive drugs.
We are the only provider accredited to test for prebagalin and gabapentin.
We are the only provider operating our own fleet of mobile collection vans, offering clients a discreet and sterile environment for sample collection at their preferred location.
We can provide expert witnesses for court appearances.
Our Notify and Report service
News & Insights
Explore Our Resource Hub
We believe that better outcomes come from having all the facts.
Our Resource Hub supports those working in family law and social care with practical tools and guidance on testing methods, legal requirements, terminology and best practice.
If you are looking for an overview of testing methods, need help interpreting results, or require approved learning, our library is designed to support informed decision-making.
Free training courses and webinars
Expert articles and videos
Best practice materials for legal professionals and social workers
Our Resource Hub is updated regularly to reflect the latest standards and developments in forensic testing.
Would You Like Bespoke Training for Your Team?
FTS offers free, expert-led training sessions for local authorities, legal professionals and social care teams.
Whether you’re looking to understand the science behind drug and alcohol testing, want to know how testing can best support the PLO process, or learn how to avoid common pitfalls in drug and alcohol testing evidence, we can tailor a session to your needs.
Training sessions can be delivered:
In person or virtually
For legal teams, social workers or multi-agency groups
With practical case studies and real-world examples
What Our Customers Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you advise on the most appropriate test for the case?
Yes. We regularly support legal professionals and local authorities in selecting the right test based on the specific context of the case. Whether it’s assessing long-term substance use, abstinence, or the impact of prescribed medication, we can guide you at instruction.
Will the results be admissible in family court?
Yes. All our tests are conducted in our UKAS-accredited laboratory and interpreted by qualified forensic toxicologists. Our reports are compliant with family court requirements.
FTS is the only provider that fully adheres to over 15 years of law on how to instruct, interpret and report tests, and our expert reports are designed to meet the burden of proof required in both public and private law cases.
Can FTS attend court as an expert witness?
Yes. Our team is often invited to court to comment on contested findings from other providers. Our forensic toxicologists can provide expert opinion in written form or in person. Our experienced team are well placed to explain complex findings clearly and confidently in a court setting.
Can FTS help with drafting a Part 25 application?
Yes. We regularly assist legal teams and local authorities with drafting or reviewing instructions to ensure they meet the court’s requirements and avoid delays. This includes guidance on scope, test type and reporting expectations.
How do you ensure results are reliable and free from bias?
We do not rely on arbitrary cut-off levels or filter findings. Our reports include all relevant results, explained in full forensic and legal context. We are committed to preventing racial and hair colour bias in testing and interpretation.
Can you detect substances that other labs may miss?
Yes. We have one of the largest UKAS-accredited drug panels in the UK, including synthetic cannabinoids, and we are the only national provider accredited for pregabalin and gabapentin. Our methods allow us to detect a wide range of substances that often go unreported by standard providers.
FTS also does not use Society of Hair Testing cut-off levels. Many other companies using these will not report findings that fall below the cut-off level, even though they are legally required to do so. FTS always reports all results, even if found at very low levels, to ensure the courts have all the information required to make the best safeguarding decision for a child.
What support is available once results are issued?
Your account manager and reporting scientist are available to explain findings, discuss next steps and clarify anything that may be unclear. We don’t just send a report, we ensure you understand it.
Is there any LAA indemnity?
Yes. In the unlikely event that the LAA do not reimburse the full cost of the testing, FTS will credit this to your account.
Not sure which test is right for your case?
Speak to our team for expert advice and a fast, clear quote.
General Enquiries
Call: 01924 480272
Email: expert@forensic-testing.co.uk
Office Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 17:30
Out of hours message service available