Analysis of the Utah program finds that only 2 people complied with the treatment plan, yet 251 were sanctioned. Drug testing can be inefficient, particularly if the day of the test is known. Finally, Mississippi already has an effective drug screening policy in place for TANF recipients.
Proposed Drug Testing Policy Negatively Affects Children
Analysis of the Utah program shows that very few people that take the substance abuse test, test positive; even fewer accept the treatment option. According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services:
- 4,766 people were screened
- 466 took the test
- 12 tested positive
- 2 were compliant with treatment
- 251 individuals were sanctioned
The 251 were sanctioned, for not following through with some aspect of the program. In general all TANF recipients have children – hence the sanctions affected not just the parent, but the children.
Drug Testing is Inefficient
According to research published by the Mayo Clinic, some controlled substances are undetectable after 48 hours. If an individual knows the date of the test, he or she could simply stop use to pass the test and simply resume after the test has been taken and easily circumvent the policy goal.
Mississippi already has an effective Drug Screening Policy
Under Mississippi policy, a case worker meets with a TANF applicant and the TANF applicant is informed of the substance abuse policy. If a TANF applicant indicates the use of drugs, then the applicant may qualify for a treatment exemption. If a TANF applicant indicates no drug use during the screening process and fails an employer drug test as part of the work requirement for TANF, the individual will be sanctioned.
