INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's Department of Child Services is investigating falsified drug records that could have caused children to be taken from their homes.

It's a disturbing development impacting nearly 100 cases across the state and prompted DCS to immediately stop referrals.

"Indiana, within the last month, was just recognized as the number one state in America for foster kids getting connected with their permanent homes, that truly is something to celebrate," said Governor Eric Holcomb two days ago.

The governor touted Indiana's adoption success through foster care during a gubernatorial debate. Now, there's some new explosive information calling into question cases at DCS.

13 Investigates has learned falsified drug screenings could have been used to remove children from their homes or even to terminate parental rights.

It's all spelled out in a letter sent anonymously to 13 Investigates, alerting the Muncie Bar Association of falsified drug records in approximately 100 DCS CHINS cases.

"CHINS" stands for Child in Need of Services.

The letter written by Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman comes after a presiding juvenile judge there informed defense attorneys on Wednesday. 13 Investigates contacted Hoffman to verify the letter.

Hoffman responded, "It is an authentic copy of a letter that I wrote and sent out to the Muncie Bar Association."

According to the letter, the falsified records date back to March through August of this year and impacted several Indiana counties, including Delaware County.

According to DCS, the problems are linked to Tomo, a drug screen company based in Missouri, with a local office in Indianapolis.

Tomo is a subcontractor of Redwood Toxicology, the company DCS hired to process drug screens from parents, guardians and potentially juveniles. Redwood used Tomo to arrange the drug screens and collect their samples.

The alleged fraud is traced back to what's known as "voided screens." A voided screen is when the person who's supposed to take the drug test fails to show up. That information goes to the court and can be considered a positive test and used against a parent or guardian.

https://www.wthr.com/article/news/investigations/13-investigates/13-investigates-department-of-child-services-dcs-falsified-drug-test-parents-children/531-b718d663-1b8c-4244-b4ff-d934c34bb549