A new kit that can be used to test children for drugs has
been criticised by parents and welfare organisations.
The HairConfirm kit costing $225 allows parents to cut
between 90 and 120 strands of hair about 4cm to 4.5cm long to
determine drug use in the past 90 days, The Dominion Post
reported.
The parents then send the strands to a lab where they are
tested for seven illegal drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates
such as codeine and morphine, amphetamine, methamphetamine,
ecstasy and PCP (Phencyclidine).
The results of the tests are made available to parents via a
secure website within two days of the lab receiving the
sample.
Children's Commissioner John Angus said parents should be
concerned about possible drug use by their children.
However, it would be more appropriate for them to have an
honest relationship with their kids.
"Surreptitious drug testing would not help."
Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell said the people
who sold the tests did not provide any support.
Spokesman for Drug Detection Agency, which sells the kits,
Nick McLeay, said there were guidelines for parents and
recommended "a clear and open discussion with parents and the
child".
Christine Davey, from Auckland, who has not seen her
drug-addicted son for two years, said she did not support the
hair tests.
She said she would like to see more support and stronger
partnerships between communities and local police.
Council for Civil Liberties spokesman Michael Bott said the
tests would be counter-productive and might create a climate
of suspicion.
Health Ministry figures from 2007 showed that one in five 13
to 17-year-olds had used cannabis in the previous 12 months.
The first batch of "cheat-proof" kits have been available in
New Zealand this month.
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