Our Customers
Drug, Alcohol & DNA Testing for Social Services
Forensic Testing Service (FTS) supports social services teams with court-approved laboratory drug, alcohol and DNA testing in safeguarding and childcare cases. Our services are used by local authorities across the UK to help inform decisions where the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable individuals is paramount.
We understand the pressures faced by social services professionals, including the need to act quickly, proportionately and fairly, often within challenging timeframes. FTS provides forensic analysis designed to support complex decision-making rather than simple screening. With all results and background context interpreted and aligned with evidential standards required in legal proceedings.
Our approach prioritises safeguarding, accuracy and fairness. Testing is delivered as part of a full forensic investigation, supported by expert interpretation and dedicated case management, helping social services teams make informed, defensible decisions based on a balance of probabilities.
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 Social Services
FTS provides a range of court-approved testing services relevant to social services and safeguarding teams. This includes forensic laboratory drug testing, comprehensive alcohol testing delivered through a multi-method approach, and legal DNA testing where parentage or identity is relevant to the case.
Testing strategies are tailored to the needs of each case rather than applied as standard packages. This allows social services professionals to obtain evidence that is relevant, proportionate and aligned with safeguarding objectives.
Forensic Testing to Support Safeguarding Decisions
Safeguarding decisions should not rely on simple screening outcomes. Cut-off based testing, when used without context, can be misleading and may not reflect the complexities of individual circumstances.
FTS interprets results alongside case backgrounds, environmental factors, medical information and social context. This full forensic approach supports balanced, evidence-led safeguarding decisions and reduces the risk of over-interpretation.
- Pre-Instruction Advice and Case Planning
- Working Alongside Legal and Family Court Processes
- Dedicated Case Management
- Testing, Reporting and Interpretation
- Flexible Sample Collection
- Training and Professional Development
- Case Studies and Testimonials
Pre-Instruction Advice and Case Planning
FTS offers free, no-obligation pre-instruction consultations to social services teams. This early-stage support allows practitioners to discuss concerns and receive guidance on the most appropriate testing profile before instruction.
Advice focuses on proportionality and effective use of public funds. Where appropriate, FTS may advise that testing should differ from an initial request in order to better address the safeguarding questions being considered. Technical experts are available during office hours to support this process.
Working Alongside Legal and Family Court Processes
FTS has extensive experience working alongside solicitors, family courts and social services teams. We understand the evidential standards required in care proceedings and the importance of aligning testing with both legal and safeguarding requirements.
Procedural support is available for matters such as Part 25 applications and court order wording, helping ensure that testing instructions are clear and appropriate. This support is procedural only and does not constitute legal advice.
Dedicated Case Management
Each case is supported by a dedicated FTS case manager who acts as a single point of contact. Case managers provide clear communication, progress updates and practical support throughout the testing process.
Costs are aligned with Legal Aid Agency codified rates, and support is available for budget holders and commissioners. This helps social services teams plan and manage cases with confidence.
Testing, Reporting and Interpretation
FTS provides detailed forensic reports prepared by experienced experts. Interpretation considers factors such as passive exposure, hair treatments, natural hair colour, prescribed medications and environmental influences.
Reports are designed to support safeguarding assessments and care proceedings, with an emphasis on proportionate and defensible use of public funds. Findings are presented clearly, explaining what results do and do not show.
Flexible Sample Collection
FTS offers a nationwide mobile sample collection service, allowing samples to be collected at a suitable and appropriate location. This flexibility helps reduce disruption and stress for families while maintaining strict chain of custody and evidential integrity.
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 Support
In addition to testing services, FTS provides free training for social services professionals. Training covers topics such as substance misuse testing, factors influencing results, Improved PLO outcomes and how to interpret forensic reports confidently.
Sessions can be delivered through presentations or team meetings and are designed to empower professionals by increasing understanding and confidence in the evidence they rely upon.
Training and Professional Support
In addition to testing services, FTS provides free training for social services professionals. Training covers topics such as substance misuse testing, factors influencing results, Improved PLO outcomes and how to interpret forensic reports confidently.
Sessions can be delivered through presentations or team meetings and are designed to empower professionals by increasing understanding and confidence in the evidence they rely upon.
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.Â
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
Can social services instruct drug testing directly?
Yes. Social services can instruct FTS directly for court-approved testing in safeguarding and childcare cases. Using FTS pre-proceedings will ensure your evidence is robust enough should the case go to proceedings.
Is FTS testing suitable for safeguarding cases?
Yes. All testing is delivered within a forensic framework designed to support safeguarding decisions.
Are reports suitable for use in care proceedings?
Yes. Reports are prepared to meet evidential standards required in legal proceedings.
How does FTS ensure fairness and proportionality?
By interpreting results in context and tailoring testing strategies to the specific needs of each case.
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