One of the basic tenets of welfare reform policy and service delivery is the identification and removal of barriers to employment and self-sufficiency. It would be counter- productive to our goals and to the well being of those we serve, to ignore substance abuse as a barrier. There is evidence that coerced treatment for drug abuse can be as effective as voluntary treatment. Substance abuse rates among the hard to serve may be higher than in the recipient population as a whole. It is important that drug abuse, as a barrier, be dealt with and that customers with this barrier be identified and offered necessary services, just as is occurring now for those with other barriers.
Testing is already a reality for our customers.
The majority of large employers do drug testing prior to employment. Employers, however, are not required to provide treatment or other supportive services. There is deterrent as well as identification value in testing. Testing sends a message to the public that recipients are held to accepted standards of behavior, increasing public confidence in welfare reform as a whole. Michigan has opted to do mandatory testing to maximize the potential for identifying customers who have a need for treatment.