Our Customers
Family Court Drug, Alcohol & DNA Testing Services
Forensic Testing Service (FTS) provides court-directed, laboratory drug, alcohol and DNA testing for family matters.
We are instructed by solicitors and local authorities in childcare and safeguarding cases where evidence must meet the civil standard of proof.
We understand the pressures of family proceedings: tight timetables, proportionality requirements and the need for clarity when important decisions must be made. Our role is not to provide screening results, but to conduct a full forensic analysis covering all aspects of the case. As experts, assisting you and the court in understanding what the evidence demonstrates and where its limits lie.
Testing is selected to address the specific questions, whether those relate to recent substance use, historical patterns of behaviour or issues of parentage. Results are interpreted in context and all findings from the laboratory are reported clearly and quickly, so that they can be relied upon with confidence.
Who we work with
We support professionals involved in safeguarding children, child custody cases, care proceedings, and family court, including:
Drug, Alcohol and DNA Testing for Family Courts
FTS provides a comprehensive range of UKAS Accredited laboratory analysis relevant to family proceedings, including:
Illicit drugs and prescribed medications
Alcohol testing using appropriate biomarkers
Legal DNA testing in cases involving parentage or safeguarding concerns
Testing strategies are tailored to the issues under consideration. The focus is on timeframes, patterns of use and evidential relevance, rather than isolated figures or pass/fail thresholds. We can also advise and analyse New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), Spice and a wide range of other compounds should this be required.
How We Support You
- Forensic Analysis, Not Simple Screening
- Pre-Instruction Advice and Case Planning
- Part 25 and Court Order Support
- Dedicated Case Management
- Testing, Reporting and Interpretation
- Flexible Sample Collection
- Training and Professional Development
Forensic Analysis, Not Simple Screening
Family court decisions should not be based on basic screening outcomes alone.
Strict reliance on Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) cut-off levels without interpretation can produce incomplete or misleading conclusions. Biological variation, cosmetic treatment, passive exposure and case-specific circumstances must all be considered where relevant.
FTS approaches each instruction as a forensic investigation. Findings are explained in full context, with clear reasoning that supports proportionate judicial decision-making.
Pre-Instruction Advice and Case Planning
We offer pre-instruction support to assist solicitors and local authorities in determining the most appropriate testing profile before formal instruction.
This support focuses on:
Understanding the reason for analysis and the case background
Ensuring proportionality
Avoiding unnecessary or duplicated testing
Aligning testing with the wording of court directions or specific requirements
This support is procedural and technical in nature and does not constitute legal advice.
Part 25 and Court Order Support
Clear instructions reduce delays and minimise challenges.
FTS can assist with example Part 25 wording and practical clarification around testing directions, helping to ensure that any order made is fit for evidential purpose and aligned with the questions the court needs answered.
Dedicated Case Management
Each case is allocated a dedicated case manager who acts as a single point of contact from instruction through to reporting.
Case managers provide:
Clear communication
Progress updates
Coordination of sample collection
Detailed cost breakdowns and quotes
Costs align with Legal Aid Agency codified rates where applicable, and indemnity arrangements are available should there be any issues with LAA reimbursement.
Testing, Reporting and Interpretation
Reports are prepared by experienced forensic toxicologists. Our final reports are usually available 5 days after the sample has reached our laboratory.
Interpretation may consider factors such as:
Passive exposure
Cosmetic hair treatments
Natural hair characteristics
Prescribed medication
Self-reported history
The client’s environment
Reports clearly explain:
What the results show
What they do not show
The reasoning behind any conclusions
The aim is clarity, defensibility and assistance to the court. FTS reports all laboratory findings, and we never use “positive” or “negative” in relation to outcomes.
Flexible Sample Collection
FTS provides nationwide mobile sample collection, allowing samples to be taken at an appropriate and convenient location. Our mobile clinics ensure sample integrity and a clean sterile environment.
All collections are conducted by fully trained professionals in accordance with strict chain-of-custody procedures to preserve evidential integrity. The whole process is documented, photographed and signed off by the client, ensuring robust chain of evidence should this be challenged.
Training and Professional Development
We offer free training sessions for solicitors and social workers covering:
Improving PLO outcomes and efficiencies
Hair Strand Testing and The Law
How to reliably detect alcohol biomarkers
Practical issues arising in family cases
Sessions are designed to improve understanding and confidence when working with forensic evidence.
From Instruction to Report: What You Can Expect
We support every client from the moment of instruction to the final report.
Guidance on choosing the right tests and report type
Support drafting instructions or Part 25 wording
Sample collection arranged nationwide
Testing carried out in our UKAS-accredited laboratories
Expert interpretation from qualified forensic toxicologists
Reports delivered to meet deadlines
Expert witnesses available if required
Why Choose FTS for your Testing?
We don’t just test. We interpret. We explain. We empower better decisions.
UKAS Accredited In-House Laboratory
Testing carried out in a UK-based laboratory in operating full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Expert Interpretation by Forensic Toxicologists
All results analysed and interpreted by qualified forensic toxicologists.
Court-Ready Expert Reports
Reports provide full forensic interpretation of findings, written for use in family court proceedings.
Experience in Complex Cases
Established expertise in non-routine cases, including testing involving newborns and children.
Extensive Drug Testing Panels
Access to the largest UKAS accredited hair drug testing panel in the UK, including a range of new psychoactive substances.
Unique Accredited Capabilities
The only provider accredited to test for pregabalin and gabapentin.
Discreet National Sample Collection
A dedicated fleet of mobile collection clinics operating nationwide.
Expert Witness Support
Independent expert witness and toxicological support available when required.
Notify and Report Service
A targeted testing approach designed to manage costs when substances of concern are unclear.
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 legal professionals.
Whether you’re looking to understand the science behind drug and alcohol testing, how reports can support your Public Law Outline process, or how to challenge contested evidence, we can tailor a session to your needs.
Our bespoke training can be delivered:
In person or virtually
With practical case studies and real-world examples
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FTS testing suitable for family court proceedings?
Yes. Testing and reporting are designed to meet evidential standards required in family cases. Using FTS pre-proceedings will ensure your evidence is robust enough should the case go to proceedings.
Can FTS advise before instruction?
Yes. Pre-instruction discussions are available to help determine the appropriate testing approach. FTS act as experts, assisting you in relation to the correct type of analysis for your unique situation.
Are reports compliant with family court evidential standards?
Yes. Reports are prepared by forensic toxicologists and structured for use in court. All FTS reports follow the guidelines set out in the most recent High Court & Court of Appeal guidance.
Who can instruct testing?
Local authorities involved in safeguarding, early help and family proceedings. Solicitors acting for both public and private matters.
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