Drug testing is often thought of as being something that only employers will use when trying to determine whether or not someone is suitable for joining their team. However, there are many additional reasons that drug testing could be used. While it’s fairly rare, child custody drug testing does exist and is used in situations where a court feels that it is in the best interests of a child to do so.
But it’s often misunderstood, and it’s well worth taking a closer look at some of the key reasons that child custody drug testing may be used and what it means to you. Here are the primary situations when it may be used.
- During a custody battle in the court system, when a parent feels that the other parent is unsuitable and unsafe as a caregiver. Courts may order child custody drug testing to determine whether or not this is the case.
- In certain situations, drug testing is used before, during, or following a visitation period with a child by a non-custodial parent. This is often ordered as part of a visitation order and will be used to ensure the safety of the children.
- Drug testing could be used as a provision for maintaining custody of a child such as for parents who have previously lost custody to the state due to their drug abuse.
In each of these situations, one constant remain – the need to maintain the utmost safety of the child. While it’s not something that is used in every custody situation, in some instances courts could order child custody drug testing. Being able to stay clean and pass these tests could have a direct impact on your future as a parent and on your relationship with your children. It’s something to take seriously no matter what the specifics of your case may be.