Parents Now Able to Drug Test Children at Home

A new program by the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office now enables parents to drug test their children for free at home.

The Sheffif's office purchased the home drug test kits to assist parents and guardians with monitoring the behavior of their children who are less than 18 years of age, according to a press release.

"A drug use intervention plan is much easier to implement on a 13 or 14 year old child who may be experimenting with marijuana or prescription drugs than on an older teen engaging in heroin and cocaine use. However, parents can, and should, engage in active intervention with their children under the age of 18 if they suspect a drug use problem," Sheriff Vincent F. DeMarco wrote.

According to the sheriff's office, the kits were purchased with money seized from drug dealers, rather than through tax-payer dollars.

Drug testing in the privacy of a home may help confirm or alleviate your suspicions , and could be the first step towards emotional and physical healing for a drug-using teen, added the sheriff.

In addition, parents are able to enroll in the county's "Stopped Program," a voluntary notification system to parents who have a driver less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a decal is affixed to the car of the young driver, and if stopped by Sheriff’s Deputies, a notification card will be sent to parents by mail or email to let them know what occurred.  More information on this program is available by calling (631) 852-2277. 

The Sheriff's office said that the test kits give parents a tool to engage in the critical conversations about drug use. It is also encouraged as a method for parents, who suspect their child may be using illegal substances, to be reassured of their judgment and seek professional help if needed.  

“The Suffolk County Sheriff’s office has developed an array of interesting programs geared toward helping families,” said Suffolk County Legis. D’Amaro who serves on the county's public safety committee. “I highly recommend that residents take full advantage of these free programs by visiting the Sheriff’s web page at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/sheriff.”