Dade County Sheriff’s Office offering free drug testing for kids

DADE COUNTY, Georgia(WDEF) – Dade County parents who suspect their child is abusing illegal drugs can now know for sure thanks to a new program at the Dade County Sheriff’s Office.

In an effort to keep children from ending up in county jail or the Georgia prison system due to illegal drug abuse, the Dade County Sheriff’s Office is taking a pro-active approach. Parents who suspect their child is on illegal drugs can now bring them to the jail to be tested.

"There’s not going to be any arrest made toward the children. This is just for their knowledge so they can know if their child is using drugs," said Sheriff Ray Cross.

The testing is simple. The child would be asked to urinate into a small container. A deputy would then place testing strips into the urine to see how many red line appear.

"And it will show what type of drugs their using or if they’re actually on any drugs."

One red line is positive and two red lines are negative. The test can show everything from meth and marijuana to prescription narcotics and cocaine.

Sheriff Cross said the idea began when several suspecting parents who couldn’t afford to purchase test kits walked into his office for help.

"We researched it and found out we can. So we actually started this program last week," he said.

When it comes to illegal drugs, Dade County has a serious problem that is sending a countless number of people to the slammer.

"We’re seeing it anywhere from teenage use up to middle age and older. We feel that if a parent suspects their child is experimenting with drugs, they can know without a shadow of a doubt if they are on drugs and can get them some help," Cross said.

The test are free but parents need to make an appointment. The number to call is 706-657-3232.