CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources announced Monday it began implementing drug screening for applicants of the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, WV WORKS, on Oct. 23.
Applicants must complete a questionnaire to determine reasonable suspicion of drug use. According to a press release, those suspected of illegal drug use will be sent for drug testing, with individuals testing positive for drug use being referred to a substance abuse treatment and counseling program, as well as a job skills program.
WV WORKS provides financial and supportive services including training assistance, occupational skills development and child care assistance.
The testing comes as the result of a three-year pilot program passed by the West Virginia Legislature in 2016 and was approved by the U.S. Administration for Children and Families.