DEARBORN, Mich. – The Dearborn Police Department has launched a new program to distribute drug and alcohol testing kits to parents who are concerned that their children could be using illicit substances.
Parental Evaluation Resource Kits (PERK) kits are in discrete bags and include a 5-panel drug and alcohol test and a nicotine testing kit.
They are at-home tests that offer immediate results. People can get the kits from the department’s lobby 24/7.
“PERK evaluation kits are a private, convenient first step to ease the anxiety and uncertainty for parents who suspect their child may be involved in risky behavior and is using dangerous substances,” said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin in a release. “As we remain committed to the health and safety of our youth, we also encourage constant communication with family members along with other professional resources.”
The kits also include resources and contact information for organizations such as the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) and Leaders Advancing & Helping Communities (LAHC).
While the kits can be a preventative first step for parents and concerned family members, the kits may not be the best way to determine if a child is using illicit substances, according to police.
Dearborn police also say the PERK is not meant to treat or diagnose substance abuse. Police are encouraging parents to contact licensed substance abuse counselors for more guidance on what steps to take if illicit substance use is suspected.
Anyone with questions can contact Dearborn police at 313-943-2241.
Local 4’s Will Jones will have more about the program and what the kits include at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.
