DCFS Countywide Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

1200-500.30 | Revision Date: 06/13/22

Overview

This policy guide outlines the DCFS Countywide Drug and Alcohol Testing Program (Testing Program) and provides instruction on alcohol and drug testing for participants.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Policy

DCFS Drug and Alcohol Testing Program (Testing Program)

Warm Line / Troubleshooting

Collection Site Hours of Operation
Photo Identification

Testing for Minors

Out of County Testing

Release of Information

Nonminor Dependents (NMDs)

Time-Limited Services

Alcohol and Drug Panel

Types of Testing

Random Testing

On-Demand Testing

Make-up Tests

Specialized Tests and Weekly Testing

Discussing Test Results with Clients

Procedure

Enrolling a Client in a Random Testing Schedule

CSW Responsibilities

Changing the CSW on a Case

CSW Responsibilities

Requesting On-Demand Testing

CSW Responsibilities

Requesting a Specialized Test or a /Weekly Testing Schedule

CSW Responsibilities

SCSW Responsibilities

Testing Program Manager Responsibilities

Requesting a Make Up Test

CSW Responsibilities

SCSW Responsibilities

Obtaining Test Results

CSW Responsibilities

Enrolling Minors in Testing

CSW Responsibilities

Approvals

Helpful Links

Attachments

Forms

Referenced Policy Guides

Statutes

Version Summary

This policy guide was updated from the 08/31/16 version, to update information regarding the use of the Testing Program, including how and when to use testing as a tool during investigations and while managing cases; to remind staff to discuss test results with clients regardless of test results; to update information regarding the contracted-vendor; and, steps to take for troubleshooting.

POLICY

DCFS Drug and Alcohol Testing Program (Testing Program)

The DCFS Testing Program is a vendor-contracted service. The vendor is contracted to provide drug and alcohol testing for DCFS clients. It should be noted that the vendor also provides services to other entities and the community, thus DCFS clients will be entering facilities with other community members.

Note: The term "client" is used throughout this policy and is used to define any individual who accesses Testing Program services regardless if they are a parent, legal guardian, other caregiver or prospective caregiver, etc.

Testing is provided on a random (twice monthly), weekly (via a court order) or on an on-demand basis. For clients who miss a scheduled test, a make-up test may be scheduled within 14 days of the missed test.

The Testing Program provides CSWs with one (1) of several tools available to assess the safety and risk of children when substance use/abuse is a factor.  The Testing Program, in and of itself, should not be the sole determining factor in assessing child safety and risk Consideration as to the use of the Testing Program may include, but is not limited to the following situations:

1. For emergency response (ER) investigations, use of an on-demand test in determining current substance use/abuse and its impact on a child's safety and risk in the home.

• If a client continues to require testing upon conclusion of an ER investigation, a new referral will need to be submitted for either random or weekly testing.
  
  

2. For family maintenance (FM), use of random testing in determining if a child may remain safely in the home of their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) when past or current substance use/abuse is identified.
   
   
3. Use of random testing to help facilitate family reunification (FR).

• Test results provide current information about a parent/legal guardian's use/abuse of drugs and/or alcohol and its impact on the safety of the child(ren). Test results also assist CSWs in determining any needed updates to case planning.

Any recommendations to the Court for a client to participate in drug and/or alcohol testing must be tailored to the family’s underlying needsA need is what drives a behavior and what makes a behavior functional for the person. The child and/or youth's needs should be the focus of the teaming process to ensure their safety and well-being. Recognizing the individual and family needs is central to the family-engagement and planning process. as identified through engagement in the Child and Family Team (CFT)A group of individuals, as identified by the family, and convened by DCFS, who are engaged through a variety of team-based processes to identify the strengths and needs of the child or youth and his or her family, and to help achieve positive outcomes for safety, permanency, and well-being. process utilizing concepts, such asthe Integrated Core Practice Model (ICPM) and the approval of the CSW and SCSW.

Clients receiving Permanent Placement services may not use the Testing Program without a current court order.

In addition to this policy, the LA Kids Drug-Alcohol Testing Services website may be used to assist CSWs in understanding the Testing Program's services and procedures, particularly the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) located on the website, as well as information on how to access referral forms.

Warm Line/Troubleshooting

A DCFS Warm Line was established by the DCFS-contracted vendorto answer CSW inquiries regarding client referrals, results, and other issues. The contact information and hours of operation for the Warm Line may be found on the Testing Program's website under "contact information".

• Staff are to be mindful that the contracted-vendor's Warm Line is to
  
  address test results and related inquiries only.
  
  

If staff or a client is having difficulty with the use of the Testing Program, such as the contracted-vendor’s customer service; inaccurate or delayed test results; issues related to instructions, site closures, administrative errors and the like, staff are to immediately notify the DCFS Testing Program managers monitoring the Testing Program of the test related errors as well as the assigned SCSW and ARA.

Upon becoming aware of contracted-vendor issues resulting in inaccurate reporting of test results or delayed testing services, the matter should be discussed with the assigned case SCSW and the Testing Program managers. The CSW shall also consult with County Counsel.  Notification of inaccurate reporting or delayed testing services must be provided to the parties and their attorneys within five (5) court days. If inaccurate information was previously reported to the Court, corrected information must also be provided to the Court in a report within five (5) court days.

• Testing Program managers may be contacted at: 323-900-2349*
  
  

*Phone numbers are subject to change. Staff are strongly encouraged to take note of announcements on LA Kids Weekly News and/or review the Testing Program's website for program changes and contact information updates for both DCFS staff as well as the contracted-vendor.

For additional information regarding use of the Testing Program, staff may refer to the FAQ on the LA Kids Drug-Alcohol Testing Services website.

Collection Site Hours of Operation

CSWs are responsible for checking LA Kids Weekly News and the Testing Program's website on a regular basis for announcements regarding collection sites, including but not limited to temporary/permanent closures or modifications in the hours of operations and then informing their clients accordingly.

• Temporary changes are common during holidays.

A complete list of collection sites may be found on the LA Kids Drug-Alcohol Testing Services website under "collection sites" and on the DCFS Electronic Drug and Alcohol Testing Referral System.

Clients are no longer required to test at a specific collection site.  They may show up at any collection site of their choosing.

Photo Identification

All clients are required to provide government issued photo identification when testing. Accepted forms of IDs include, but are not limited to, a driver's license, passport, and state ID (e.g., California ID card).  If uncertain as to the appropriateness of an ID, CSWs are to contact the vendor.

When submitting a referral to the Testing Program via the electronic referral system, CSWs are to ensure that the client’s name and date of birth (DOB) match exactly what is stated on the client’s ID that will be presented for testing purposes. Any discrepancy will result in the client not being permitted to test.

• The client’s name and DOB in the DCFS Electronic Drug and Alcohol Testing Referral System will be obtained from CWS/CMS. If a client's name or DOB needs to be corrected, there is an “Edit” button located under "Modify Client Information" that can be selected in the electronic referral system to make the appropriate changes.
  
• If changes are made in the DCFS Electronic Drug and Alcohol Testing Referral System, the CSW must ensure that the same changes are also madein CWS/CMS.
  
  
• If changes are made to an on-demand test, the referral must
  resubmitted to the vendor by a program manager.

"Temporary photo IDs" may be provided by the CSW for Testing Program use only (see attached sample).  The temporary ID must be completed on DCFS letterhead and include the following:

1. Name and DOB

• The temporary ID should not contain any dates other than the client's DOB.

2. Clear color photo of the client to be tested
3. Statement reflecting that the ID is for Testing Program use only
4. Referring CSW's name, office location with address and telephone number, email address, and the CSW's (wet) signature or e-signature

• If the client is in possession of a temporary ID with the CSW's wet signature, they may present the "ID" at a testing site.  If it is a photocopied ID, it will not be accepted at the testing site; rather, the CSW must submit the ID via the Testing Program referral process.

Testing for Minors

If there are concerns regarding possible or current substance use/abuse by a minor, refer to the “Foster Youth Substance Abuse Treatment Protocol and Program” policy for guidance.

Requirements for testing minors include:

1. A court order
   
   
2. A manual drug and alcohol testing referral

3. A DCFS 5540, Special Payment Authorization/Request form must be completed.
   
   

• The Testing Program vendor will facilitate testing once the DCFS 5540 is approved. More information can be obtained from the LA Kids Alcohol-Drug Testing under "Services for Minors".

CSW shall consult with County Counsel regarding the release and sharing of a minor's drug and alcohol test results.

• Minors should not be asked to sign a release or other affidavit for the
  
  purpose of obtaining and sharing test results without conferring with
  
  County Counsel.

More information may be obtained from the LA Kids Drug-Alcohol Testing Services website under "Services for Minors".

Also, see "Enrolling Minors in Testing" below for specific procedures.

Out of County Testing

If a client needs to be referred for testing outside of Los Angeles County, CSWs are to refer to the LA Kids Drug-Alcohol Testing Services website,under "Testing Outside LA County" for instructions.

Release of Information

CSWs must obtain a signed DCFS 5007, Consent for the Release of Confidential Alcohol or Drug Testing Results, from each client to receive test results and to disclose test result information to the Court or service provider, as needed.

• CSWs are to consult with County Counsel to address obtaining consent
  
  to receive and disclose drug and alcohol test results when the Court
  
  orders testing for a minor.

The DCFS 5007 for the Testing Program is valid for one (1) year from the date the client signs the form or until termination of the case (for court and voluntary cases), whichever comes first.

Note: In the event that the DCFS 5007 has not been completed by the client, test results may be obtained if the Court orders the results released to the DCFS.

Nonminor Dependents (NMDs)

Nonminor dependents (NMD’s) are adults and may consent to testing if they wish; however, they should be encouraged to consult with their attorney before proceeding. Discussions surrounding consent are to be documented in CWS/CMS Contact Notes.

• CSWs are strongly encouraged to have the youth sign an affidavit
  
  stating that they were advised to consult their attorney prior and to
  
  include if they agreed or declined consultation, whichever is applicable.
  
  
• For NMDs, the affidavit should also state that the NMD understands
  
  that “the purpose of the test is to (state the purpose)” and that test results
  
  will not be disclosed to any other party or used for any other purpose that
  
  what is agreed upon, without the NMD’s consent.
  
  

• CSWs are encouraged to discuss obtaining an NMDs consent and the
  
  language to be included in an affidavit with the assigned county counsel
  
  or out-stationed county counsel, as the language is NMD and case-
  
  specific.

Time-Limited Services

CSWs are to assess a client's need to participate in the Testing Program on an ongoing basis to ensure that a client's continued participation is warranted.

All random and weekly testing referrals remain in effect for a maximum of six (6) months, at which time a new referral is required if the client is to continue testing.  If a new referral is not submitted, the client is automatically terminated from the Testing Program without notice to the CSW.

A client’s participation in random or weekly testing will be automatically terminated after a maximum of six (6) months, or based on the end date provided by the CSW on the referral, whichever date comes first.

• If the case will close/jurisdiction will be terminated (JT) prior to the six (6)-month date, the referral should reflect the end date to be no later than the date of the case closure/JT.
• If terminating testing services prior to the end date that was provided at the time of the referral, the CSW is to change the end date to the correct date that services are to terminate and save the change. This will disenroll the client based on the new end date.

• If changing from weekly to random testing, the CSW is to end date the weekly testing referral and submit a random referral.
  
  

If testing continues to be required, to avoid a lapse in testing, a new Testing Program referral is needed. The current referral may not be extended. It is recommended that clients be re-referred with a start date that coincides with the termination date of the previous referral. Additional information may be obtained on the LAKids Drug-Alcohol Testing Services website.

Back to Policy

Alcohol and Drug Panel

Clients may be referred for one of two types of tests:

1. Alcohol only
2. Alcohol and drugs

Clients who are referred for alcohol and drug testing will be tested for alcohol and the following panel of substances:

• Opiate panel: morphine, codeine & hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Amphetamines: amphetamine, methamphetamine & MDMA (Ecstasy)
• Cocaine metabolites
• Cannabinoids (marijuana)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Hydromorphone
• Oxycodone
• Heroin
• Methadone
• Zolpidem
• Benzodiazepine (alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, diazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam)

If a client requires testing for a drug not included in the above drug panel, or an alternative method of testing is needed, such as hair or saliva testing, a court order is required. Upon receipt of a court order, CSWs shall:

1. Contact the contracted-vendor for instructions, and,
2. Submit a manual drug and alcohol testing referral, and
3. Complete the DCFS 5540.

Note: CSWs should be mindful that a client may be on a methadone-maintenance plan or using a prescription version of a substance listed above. CSWs are to ensure that the Prescriptions are to be verified and included on the referral form.

Types of Testing

1. Random
2. On-Demand
3. Make Up Tests
4. Specialized Tests and Weekly Testing

Random Testing

Clients enrolled in random testing must call the Testing Program client number on a daily basis, Sunday through Thursday after 7:30 PM. The recorded information is provided in both English and Spanish. Clients are to report for testing the following day if the called letter of the alphabet corresponds to the first letter of the client’s last name. Testing schedules are not shared with DCFS staff in advance.

On-Demand Testing

On-Demand testing is used when a client’s behavior or physical appearance indicates recent/current alcohol and/or drug use/abuse. The following are examples of when a CSW may refer a client for on-demand testing in the following situations (This is not an exhaustive list.):

1. For ER investigations, use of an on-demand test in determining current substance use/abuse and its impact on a child's safety and risk in the home.
   
   

• This includes ER investigations where substance use/abuse was not an original allegation, but during the course of the investigation such concerns arise.

2. For FM or FR cases, information is received that a client is using/abusing drugs and/or alcohol, thus placing a child at risk in such instances as: when the child resides with that client (i.e., parent or legal guardian or other caregiver); or, when there is an unmonitored visit; or, when there is a possible recommendation for either.
   
   

On-demand testing is most useful when requested on the same day or on the day following a client’s suspected substance use. All on-demand tests require approval of an SCSW. On-demand testing is available on a one (1)-time per month basis only. Additional on-demand test requests in the same month require the pre-approval by a Testing Program manager.

Make-up Tests

This option may be exercised when a client is enrolled in random or weekly testing and misses a test.

If a client misses a random or weekly test, they may be scheduled for a make-up test. A make-up test may be scheduled any time beginning the day after the missed test, but no more than 14 days from the original (missed) test date.

Specialized Tests and Weekly Testing

Clients enrolled in a specialized schedule (e.g., weekly testing or a specified number of tests in a given time frame that differs from the random schedule) must have a current court order mandating weekly testing.

Clients enrolled in weekly testing must call the Testing Program client number on a daily basis, Sunday through Thursday after 7:30 PM, and select "Option 2" for weekly testing. The recorded information is provided in both English and Spanish. Clients are to report for testing the following day when a called letter of the alphabet corresponds to the first letter of the client’s last name. Testing schedules are not shared with DCFS staff in advance.

Any other method of testing besides a urine specimen collection that is implemented via DCFS' contract must be court-ordered. Refer to the section below on "Requesting a Specialized Test or a Weekly Testing Schedule" for instructions on the referral process.

Court Recommendation

When recommending that a parent/legal guardian or caregiver participate in the Testing Program, CSWs should use one of the following examples of sample language in the court report under the “Recommendation to Court” section :

1. It is respectfully recommended that the Court order the parent/primary caregiver to test twice a month through the DCFS Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Further, that the Department have the discretion to increase, decrease or cease the testing based on the progress of the parent/primary caregiver in (his/her) court ordered testing and/or substance abuse counseling program.

• The recommendation would pertain to parents/primary caregivers who have recent suspected or alleged substance abuse allegations.
  
  

2. It is respectfully recommended that the Court order the parent/primary caregiver to test weekly through the DCFS Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Further, that the Department be granted the discretion to decrease testing to random, on-demand or cease testing based on the progress of the parent/primary caregiver or to increase the testing after it has exercised its discretion in accordance with the ICPM.

• The recommendation would pertain to parents/primary caregivers who have documented history of substance abuse.

Discussing Test Results with Clients

When used, testing is one tool that is an integral part of the investigation of a referral (e.g.,to assist in determining whether or not to detain. etc.) and, during the course of a caseit may be used to aid in case management activities, including but not limited to, case planning, determining child safety, and making decisions related to placement and visitation. Testing, in and of itself, shall not be the sole determining factor in decision-making for referrals and cases.

In order to ensure testing is practical and purposeful, test results must be reviewed and discussed with clients, regardless of the outcome of the test (e.g., no show/missed, positive, negative, drug level increase/decrease, etc.).

• CSWs are to be mindful that test results may not be discussed with
  
  anyone other than the individual who tested without their consent to
  
  disclose this information. That includes the sharing of this information
  
  during Child and Family Team Meetings.
  
  
• CSWs are to be mindful that Public Health Nurses (PHNs) cannot, by law,
  
  review or comment on any parent/legal guardian/RP drug and alcohol test
  
  results (or medical records).

Discussions shall also include decisions about whether or not testing continues to be warranted, if the frequency of testing may be decreased (i.e., determine if weekly testing shall continue or if testing can be decreased) and/or if substance abuse/use treatment is recommended for clients not already participating.

• Clients should be assessed/re-assessed on an ongoing basis for this
  
  purpose.
  
  

• Enrollment and frequency of testing shall align with, and be reflected in, the
  
  current case plan.

DCFS no longer supports the philosophy that a missed test is a "dirty" test. Instead, the CSW shall use the referral or case factors in determining the circumstances surrounding the missed test to determine if the missed test is of concern. The explanation(s) for a missed test is to be assessed and, where possible, is to be verified and consideration for a make-up test is to be given.

It is important to look at a totality of the circumstances (and behavioral indicators) when assessing a parent/legal guardian's progress in drug and/or alcohol treatment.

As needed, CSWs shall consult with their SCSW about on how to communicate with their clients regarding test results and next steps. And, as applicable, CSW's shall consider holding a Child and Family Team Meeting.

Back to Policy

PROCEDURE

Enrolling a Client in a Random Testing Schedule

Note: The User's Guide in the DCFS Electronic Alcohol and Drug Testing Referral System may be used to provide guidance on how to refer client for testing and other Testing Program-related activities.

CSW Responsibilities

1. Complete the DCFS 5007, Consent for the Release of Confidential Alcohol
   
   and/or Drug Testing Results, for the client and obtain the client’s signature,
   
   or in the absence of a signed form, ensure to obtain court orders specifying
   
   the release and sharing of drug and alcohol test results (See "Release of
   
   Information above).

1. Ensure the client fully understands the instructions for testing that are indicated on the referral.
   

• Clients are no longer required to test at a specific collection site.  They
  
  may show up at any collection site of their choosing.
  
  

• Ensure the client understands to contact the DCFS Drug and Alcohol
  
  Testing Program client number after 7:30pm, Sunday through Thursday.
  

2. Complete all sections of the DCFS Alcohol-Drug Random Test Electronic
   
   Referral in the Electronic Referral System.
   
   

1. The referral shall include a termination date not to exceed six (6)
   
   months.  The User's Guide in the DCFS Electronic Alcohol and Drug
   
   Testing Referral System may be used to provide guidance on how to
   
   refer client's for testing.

3. Electronically submit the completed DCFS Drug and Alcohol Random Test
   
   Referral to the contracted-vendorby clicking the "Save" button.
   

• Once the referral has been added to the electronic system, a message will appear which will indicate, "Referral added".

4. For clients who are referred before the disposition hearing, the client should
   
   be reassessed once the disposition is reached and throughout the life of the
   
   case.

5. If a client does not possess photo ID, provide them with a temporary ID as
   
   stated in the section above on "Photo Identification"

• It is recommended that the CSW retain a copy of the temporary ID in
  
  their case file.

6. File a copy of the Testing Program referral and the DCFS 5007 (if
   
   applicable) in the Additional Services Documentation Folder (red folder
   
   ) of the case file.

• For ER CSWs, file these documents with the ER referral.

Back to Procedure  

Requesting On-Demand Testing

CSW Responsibilities

Clients for whom only an on-demand test is sought without being enrolled in the random option of the Testing Program may participate in an on-demand test once per month. Additional on-demand tests require the approval of the SCSW and Testing Program manager or enrollment in the random option of the Testing Program.

1. If one is not currently on file, complete the DCFS 5007, Consent for the Release of Confidential Alcohol and/or Drug Testing Results, for the client and obtain the client’s signature.

• This is not required if requesting an on-demand test for a client already enrolled in the Testing Program’s random schedule.
• Also, see "Release of Information" above for obtaining a court order in lieu of the DCFS 5007.

2. When requesting an on-demand test without enrollment in the Testing Program, complete all sections of the DCFS Alcohol and Drug On-Demand Test electronic referral.

• The User's Guide in the DCFS Electronic Alcohol and Drug Testing
  
  Referral System may be used to provide guidance on how to refer
  
  clients for testing.

1. Under "Special Instructions/Specialized Schedule", indicate any special instructions pertaining to the "On-Demand Test".

2. Under "Testing Date", indicate the date the On-Demand Test is requested.

3. If enrolling the client in the Testing Program, and they initially require to test on-demand:
   

• Complete all sections of both the electronic DCFS Alcohol and Drug Random Test Referral and the DCFS Alcohol and Drug On-Demand Test Referral.
• When creating an on-demand test, the CSW will be asked whether or not
  
  the client is court-ordered to test weekly. The CSW must select “No” in
  
  order to receive the option to create an on-demand referral.
  

3. Under "Additional On-Demand Tests, click on "Add On-Demand" and follow the instructions for submitting an On-Demand Test from 2(a)(b) above.
4. If requesting an on-demand test for a client who is already enrolled in theTesting Program:

1. Complete all sections of the electronic DCFS Alcohol and Drug On-Demand Test Referral.
2. Under "Additional On-Demand Test", click on "Add On-Demand" and follow the instructions for submitting an on-demand from 2(a)(b) above.
3. Obtain SCSW approval in the electronic DCFS Alcohol and Drug Testing Referral portal.
   

• The referral will not be transmitted to the vendor without SCSW approval.
  
  

5. Obtain the Testing Program manager's approval, if applicable or prompted
   
   to do so.
6. Inform the client of their on-demand test date as indicated on the referral.

1. If the client is already enrolled, or a new enrollment was completed, at the time of the on-demand test referral, ensure the client understands that the on-demand test is not part of the random schedule.
2. Provide the client with information on calling the Testing Program's client number. Refer to the section above on "Enrolling a Client in a Random Testing Schedule".

7. File a copy of the Testing Program referral and the DCFS 5007 (if
   
   applicable) in the Additional Services Documentation Folder (red folder)
   
   of the case file.

• For ER CSWs, file these documents with the ER referral.

SCSW Responsibilities

1. Discuss the request for an on-demand test, including any concerns related to
   
   child safety.
   
2. Approve the on-demand test in the eletronic DCFS Alcohol and Drug Testing
   
   Referral portal.

Testing Program Manager Responsibilities

1. As applicable, discuss the request for an on-demand test with the CSW
   
   and/or SCSW.
   
   
2. As applicable and, if appropriate, approve the on-demand test in the
   
   electronic DCFS Alcohol and Drug Testing Referral System.

Back to Procedure  

Requesting a Specialized Test or a Weekly Testing Schedule

CSW Responsibilities

1. If in possession of a court order for a specialized test or a weekly schedule, make the appropriate referral for enrollment in the Testing Program.
   
   
   

• The referral for the type of test (e.g., hair, saliva, etc.),or weekly testing schedule, must reflect what is stated on the court order.

2. For weekly testing, complete the DCFS Drug and Alcohol Testing Program’s Random Testing Referral.

1. Complete section "Specific Language Indicating Drug/Alcohol orders" and Special Instructions/Specialized Schedule.
2. Ensure to complete all sections of the weekly testing referral.
3. Enter a termination date not to exceed six (6) months.
4. Electronically submit the weekly test referral to the contracted- vendor by clicking the "Save" button.  Once the referral has been added to the electronic system a message will appear stating "referral added".

• SCSW approval is not required.

3. For specialized tests:

1. Complete the DCFS 5540
2. Contact the contracted-vendor for assistance in arranging specialized testing.
3. Contact the Testing Program manager for assistance, as needed.
   
   

4. DCFS 5007, Consent for the Release of Confidential Alcohol and/or Drug Testing Resultsand obtain the client’s signature.

• Also, see "Release of Information" above for obtaining a court order in lieu of the DCFS 5007.
  
  

5. Provide the client with information on calling the Testing Program's client
   
   number. Refer to the section above on "Enrolling a Client in a Random
   
   Testing Schedule

6. For clients who are referred before the disposition hearing, the client should be reassessed once the disposition is reached, as well as throughout the life of the case.

   1. When decreasinga client’s frequency of testing from weekly to random, if
      
      there is an active referral, it must be terminated. A new referral for
      
      random testing must be completed.
      
      
   2. The start date of the random testing referral shall reflect a date at least
      
      one day after the termination date of the weekly testing referral.
      
      
7. File a copy of the Testing Program referral and the DCFS 5007 (if
   
   applicable) in the Additional Services Documentation Folder (red folder)
   
   of the case file.

Back to Procedure  

Requesting a Make-up Test

This option may be exercised when a client is enrolled in random or weekly testing and misses a test.

CSW Responsibilities

1. Complete all sections of the electronic DCFS Alcohol and Drug Make-up
   
   Test Referral.

1. Under "Testing Date", indicate the date of the make-up test.
2. Obtain SCSW approval in the electronic DCFS Alcohol and Drug Testing Referral portal.

• The referral will not be transmitted to the vendor without SCSW approval.

SCSW Responsibilities

1. Refer to the "SCSW Responsibilities" in the section above on "Requesting
   
   On-Demand Testing".

Obtaining Test Results

CSW Responsibilities

1. CSWs may refer to the attached "Flyer for Drug Test Result" on how to
   
   obtain Testing Program results.

1. If the staff assisting the CSW in obtaining test results is not a CSW, they
   
   may refer to the flyer titled "Clerical_Admin Staff".

• Negative test results will be available twenty-four (24) hours from the day the client is tested.
  
• Positive confirmations and no-show/missed tests reports will be available seventy-two (72) hours from the day the client tested or failed to test.

• A no-show/missed test is no longer presumed to be a positive test. 

2. If test results are not received or results cannot be located, contact BIS or the contracted-vendor for assistance.
3. Reminder: ALL test results are to be discussed with the client and, CSWs are encouraged to discuss results with their SCSW during scheduled supervision meetings or as-needed.

Enrolling Minors in Testing

CSW Responsibilities

1. If there are concerns regarding possible or current substance abuse/abuse
   
   by a minor, refer to the “Foster Youth Substance Abuse Treatment Protocol
   
   and Program” policy for guidance..
   
   

• A court order is required to test a minor.
  
  

2. A manual drug and alcohol testing referral will need to be submitted.
   
   (specifying that the request for testing is for a minor).
3. 
   Complete and submit a DCFS 5540 form.
   
   
4. Consult with County Counsel to address obtaining consent to receive and
   
   disclose drug test results.
   
   
5. Contact the contracted-vendor to arrange testing.
6. File a copy of the Testing Program referral and the DCFS 5007 (whichever is
   
   applicable)or affidavit in the Additional Services Documentation Folder (red
   folder) of the case file.

Back to Procedure 

APPROVALS

SCSW Approval

• On-Demand referrals
  
  
• Make-up Test referrals

DCFS Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Manager Approval

• On-Demand referrals for clients actively enrolled in random testing

HELPFUL LINKS

Attachments

Substance Abuse Programs

Instructions for CSWs - Obtaining Online Drug Test Results

Instructions for Clerical Admin Staff - Obtaining Online Drug Test Results

Temporary ID (sample)

DCFS Drug and Alcohol Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Forms

LA Kids

DCFS 2221, Change of Social Worker

DCFS 2221 (SP), Change of Social Worker

DCFS 5007, Consent for the Release of Confidential Alcohol or Drug Testing Results

DCFS 5540, Special Payment Authorization/Request

Dependency Investigator Information

Notice of Termination of Client from Alcohol-Drug Testing Services

On-Demand Testing Referral

Random Test Referral

Removal of Dependency Investigator

Referenced Policy Guides

0050-502.10, Child Protection Hotline (CPH)

0070-521.10, Assessment of Drug & Alcohol Abuse

0070-548.01, Child and Family Teams

0080-502.10, Case Plans

0600-508.00, Foster Youth Substance Abuse Treatment Protocol and Program

0600-509.00, Dependency, Drug Court (DDC)/Family Substance Abuse Treatment Program (FSATP)

1200-500.90, Model Case Format

Statutes

Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 361.5(a)(3)(B) – States, in pertinent part, that when counseling or other treatment services are court-ordered, the parent/guardian shall be ordered to participate in those services, unless the parent’s or guardian’s participation is deemed by the court to be inappropriate or potentially detrimental to the child or unless a parent or guardian is incarcerated or detained by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the corrections facility in which the parent or guardian is incarcerated does not provide access to the treatment services ordered by the Court, or has been deported to their country of origin and services ordered by the Court are not accessible in that country.

WIC Section 5328(a) – States, in pertinent part, that all information and records obtained in the course of providing services, under the specified Divisions, to either voluntary or involuntary service recipients is confidential.

United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 42 2.12 – Describes what information applies to the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records.

CFR Section 42 2.13 – Outlines restrictions as to when information that is being requested is to remain confidential.

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