(Editor’s note: The family’s last names in this report are being withheld.)

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Three family members who tested positive for drugs in a Georgia child custody case allege the state’s drug screening process produced false results, and they have independent tests to prove their claims.

Benjamin, 76, his daughter Katina and his granddaughter, Jyanna, all tested positive for methamphetamine during drug screens required by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). The tests were part of the process to determine temporary custody of 2-year-old Azariah, who was removed from the family’s Richmond Hill home in August.

“We miss our little great grand; we miss him a whole lot,” Benjamin said. “We try not to think about him too much because it makes you sad, but I hope everything will be alright.”

DFCS became involved in 2023 when Azariah’s mother admitted to drug addiction. The Bryan County, Georgia, investigation moved slowly due to staffing shortages, the family said. When caseworkers moved forward with placement options, multiple relatives on the mother’s side sought temporary custody.

Family seeks independent testing

Benjamin said he thought nothing of the required drug screen until his results came back positive. Katina and Jyanna were also informed they tested positive for methamphetamine.

“I said, ‘No, I don’t do meth,’” Katina said.

The family said they do not have copies of the DFCS test results. Jyanna said she asked...

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