Sarah Branson, barrister at Coram Chambers, and Paul Hunter, founder of Forensic Testing Service (FTS), have been featured in the latest edition of the British Association of Social Workers’ Professional Social Work Magazine. Their expert commentary brings national attention to the risks and limitations of hair strand drug and alcohol testing in family law, urging the profession to reconsider how such evidence is used in court.
In the article, Sarah and Paul discuss how hair strand testing, a tool frequently relied upon in family courts to determine drug or alcohol use, may not be as reliable or impartial as commonly believed. Both highlight that results are susceptible to variations depending on factors such as hair colour, ethnicity, and even personal care routines. This can lead to significant miscarriages of justice, with life-changing decisions based on potentially flawed science.
Sarah, who specialises in public law cases involving children and families, shares her concern that family courts often accept reports from testing companies without the rigorous forensic scrutiny required in other jurisdictions. She also addresses the troubling evidence of racial bias in testing outcomes and the financial pressures on local authorities to choose cheaper, potentially less reliable, providers.
Paul, drawing on fifteen years of experience in forensic testing, explains why a comprehensive forensic investigation is essential for fair and accurate outcomes. He calls on social workers and legal professionals to challenge evidence that may not meet the highest standards and to seek expert interpretation before reaching conclusions that affect families.
Their feature in the Professional Social Work Magazine is an important read for anyone involved in family law or social work. To explore their insights in full and understand the broader implications for the sector, we encourage you to read the article in the latest edition of the BASW Professional Social Work Magazine. You can read the full article here.
