Testing is vital to drug court

Each week, the freedom, family unity and financial security of thousands of Kentuckians hinge on what happens when chemicals contact urine during a drug test.

And, as drug courts roll out to all Kentucky counties this year, more people will be affected.

Just consider the growth in Fayette County. Each week, Lexington's Community Alternative Programs, or CAPs, processes 975 drug screens. That's a 23 percent increase over last year.

Drug tests face many challenges as they spread across Kentucky.

"There are inconsistencies," said Karyn Hascal, deputy director of Kentucky's Office of Drug Control Policy. "In terms of a statewide drug court system, we are an infant."