Are welfare recipients drug tested?
As of early 2017, 15 US states had passed legislation enabling drug testing of welfare applicants or recipients, primarily in relation to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families payments.
Does NYS drug test for welfare?
The bill requires all applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to complete a written questionnaire to determine the likelihood of a substance abuse problem. If the results indicate a likelihood the person has a substance abuse problem, the applicant must submit to a drug test.
What is wrong with testing welfare recipients for drug use?
When welfare recipients are required to undergo drug testing, taxpayers in the population at large might interpret this as a signal that most welfare recipients are cheaters and have problems with drug use. Drug testing can indiscriminately stigmatize both offenders and non-offenders alike.
What states have tried drug testing for welfare?
The fifteen states that drug-test welfare applicants are:
- West Virginia (2016)
- Arkansas (2015)
- Wisconsin (2015)
- Michigan (2014)
- Alabama (2014)
- Mississippi (2014)
- Kansas (2013)
- North Carolina (2013)
Can social services do drug tests?
Social Services – Social service may conduct routine drug screening and alcohol testing where there is a cause for concern of the care of a child or family member and a history of drug and alcohol abuse.
Is drug testing welfare recipients unconstitutional?
Barring any material concerns, drug testing those who receive welfare benefits is unconstitutional. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution allows for “people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures”.
Why should we drug test welfare recipients?
Pros of Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Identifying individuals in need of substance abuse treatment. Mandatory drug testing helps identify individuals who can benefit from substance abuse treatment so they can receive help and will, according to drug testing advocates, save money in the long-term.
Should someone receiving welfare be drug tested?
Welfare recipients should not be drug tested due to various reasons. Firstly, testing people to provide to them aid is unconstitutional. According to the constitution, the welfare is set aside to provide a reprieve to the poor citizens.
What are the reasons for welfare drug testing?
Another reason for mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients is that it is fair. People who are working have to take a drug test in order to conform to the employee standards of the company that they work for. Many companies mandate drug tests as a condition of employment.
Why should there be drug testing for welfare?
The main premise behind drug testing of welfare applicants is that the state will save money by kicking drug addicts off of welfare and thereby denying them benefits (which they will presumably waste on little more than supporting their drug habits.)
What is welfare drug testing?
Drug testing is one tool that child welfare workers often use to facilitate decision- making with these families. Drug testing refers to the use of various biologic sources such as urine, saliva, sweat, hair, breath, blood and meconium to determine the presence of specific substances and/or their metabolites in an individual’s system.