The department tests for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, and morphine. If confirmation tests are requested, the specimen is sent to a laboratory. Results are used to leverage the youth into treatment and are shared with the youth, parents, and the court, as appropriate. A youth's refusal to attend treatment is considered a violation of probation. At the time of hiring, staff undergo a lengthy Fundamentals of Probation Practice training course that includes information about substance abuse and testing.
Supervisors also train staff in the specific use of the tests.
Evaluation includes two case audits for each probation officer each month. The probation department pays the cost of the test and collaborates with the local mental health agency to have counselors perform substance abuse evaluations before case dispositions. All youth on probation in Utah are subject to testing at the discretion of their assigned probation officer. Youth are given a full panel test within 30 days of adjudication, and a thorough social and drug history is taken. For the most part, specimens are collected and tested onsite using test kits.