Columbus Mom Raises Concerns Over Drug Testing Company Used by Child Welfare Agency

Franklin County Children Services contracted with Averhealth, which faced a $1.3 million settlement with DOJ over false positives

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Columbus mother is questioning the accuracy of drug tests conducted by Averhealth, a company contracted by Franklin County Children Services. The mother claims a positive test result affected her case, even though she maintains the result was false. Averhealth has faced issues in the past, including a $1.3 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over submitting positive results without proper verification. The Franklin County Municipal Court has also dropped most of its contracts with Averhealth due to potential false-positive concerns.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of ensuring the accuracy and reliability of drug testing procedures used by child welfare agencies, which can have significant consequences for families. The concerns raised about Averhealth's testing practices raise questions about the oversight and accountability of such contractors.

The details

The Columbus mother contacted a local news station, ABC6, after she said a positive drug test result from Averhealth affected her case with Franklin County Children Services, even though she maintains the result was false. Averhealth is a Virginia-based company that has contracts with welfare agencies across the country to conduct drug testing. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice sued Averhealth, resulting in a $1.3 million settlement, over claims that the company submitted positive results without the agreed-upon verifications of a second test. The lawsuit stemmed from complaints from Child Protective Services in Michigan, which stopped using Averhealth after reported accuracy issues. The Franklin County Municipal Court also dropped most of its contracts with Averhealth, citing potential false-positive concerns, and is now using its own independent lab.

  • In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice sued Averhealth, resulting in a $1.3 million settlement.
  • Last month, ProPublica reported that Averhealth was on probation by its creditor due to some of these issues in 2021.

The players

Averhealth

A Virginia-based drug-testing company that has contracts with welfare agencies across the country, including Franklin County Children Services.

U.S. Department of Justice

Sued Averhealth in 2024, resulting in a $1.3 million settlement, over claims that the company submitted positive results without the agreed-upon verifications of a second test.

Child Protective Services in Michigan

Stopped using Averhealth after reported accuracy issues.

Franklin County Municipal Court

Dropped most of its contracts with Averhealth, citing potential false-positive concerns, and is now using its own independent lab.

Franklin County Children Services

A child welfare agency in Columbus, Ohio that contracted with Averhealth for drug testing.

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What’s next

ABC6 Investigates has requested a copy of Franklin County Children Services' contract with Averhealth, along with invoices, and is still waiting for a response. The news station has also reached out to Averhealth to inquire about its process and error rates.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for rigorous oversight and accountability of drug testing companies contracted by child welfare agencies, as inaccurate results can have serious consequences for families. The concerns raised about Averhealth's testing practices underscore the importance of ensuring the reliability and transparency of such critical services.