A new rapid call-out service to test for evidence of alcohol abuse by parents might to used to speed up the launch of child care proceedings. Hair samples would be taken within 90 minutes of an initial request. Test results, measuring alcohol or drug consumption over a period of up to 12 months, would be provided in 7 to 10 days.

These tests would enable a local authority to quickly determine whether an individual has a long-term alcohol dependance, or enable a parent to show that they do not.