Section 32: Substance Abuse Assessments and Testing for Children in Out-of-Home Care

Version: 1 POLICY [NEW] The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) will refer a child for a drug and alcohol assessment, if there is a concern regarding substance use and/or abuse by a child in out-of-home care, and ensure that the child has access to counseling, treatment, and necessary medical services if warranted by the assessment. DCS will obtain consent from the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian prior to referring a child for random drug and/or alcohol testing. If the parent, guardian, or custodian denies consent for testing, a Child and Family Team (CFT) Meeting must be convened immediately to determine if DCS will seek a court order for authorization of the recommended testing. See separate policy, 5.7 Child and Family Team Meetings