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Residents raise concerns about DSS hair‑follicle testing; local nonprofit thanks county for grant funding
Summary
During public comment at the July 22 Henrico Board meeting, residents urged reconsideration of Henrico DSS use of hair follicle drug testing citing racial and scientific bias; Safe Harbor's executive director thanked the board for CDBG funding to purchase a transitional housing property.
Several citizens used the July 22 public‑comment period to raise policy and customer‑service concerns and to thank the county for recent grant support.
A resident, Melissa (Elisa) Jones, told the board she is “a voice for families” and criticized Henrico Department of Social Services’ (DSS) use of hair‑follicle drug testing in child‑welfare cases, telling supervisors that the test can be “scientifically flawed, racially biased, and carries heavy consequences, particularly for families of color.” Jones described the real‑world consequences she attributes to testing practices, including parental‑rights terminations and lengthy legal battles. “I support the mission of DSS to keep children safe,” she said in her remarks, “but that mission is undermined when we rely on testing practices that are not only scientifically questionable, but socially discriminatory.”
Supervisor comments acknowledged the concern and noted prior follow‑up discussions between board members, the juvenile court, and DSS leadership. The board chair referenced prior conversations with the department's director and said the public comment has prompted additional internal discussion.
Kathy Easter, executive director of Safe Harbor, a Henrico‑based nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, thanked the board for approving CDBG funding that will allow her agency to buy a house it has been renting for transitional shelter. Easter said the purchase and a matching gift will give the program “permanent residence” and stability.
Cassandra Ziegler, a longtime Henrico resident, said her recent experience with the planning office left her feeling unwelcome and urged staff to provide clearer guidance to members of the public who seek assistance with planning matters.
The board did not take formal action on the public‑comment items but several supervisors said the remarks would inform future conversation with DSS and county staff.
