Forensic science services for child care proceedings
The forensic science expertise of Forensic Access has been recognised, over the years, by a number of local authorities, family solicitors and other organisations dealing with child care proceedings and child protection issues.
These cases, by their very nature are usually highly sensitive and often complex. The independent and specialist nature of Forensic Access makes us the ideal forensic provider for these difficult cases.
Confidentiality & Security
We know from the work we have done over the years for other Children's Protection Departments, that confidentiality is of paramount importance in such cases. We are well used to working under strict terms of confidentiality, and in fact, all of our staff have been cleared to a minimum of the Metropolitan Police CTC (Counter Terrorism) level, but in addition, for some very sensitive work we are currently undertaking we have 6 staff now cleared to “SC” level and three staff being cleared at the very high “DV” level. This high level of security should give Councils, solicitors and other child care organisations confidence that Forensic Access can deal securely with your case.
Case & Evidence Types
Our experienced forensic scientists can assist with numerous different case and evidence types. For example:
- drugs in hair – to assist with understanding a profile of drug abuse over time
- testing for alcohol abuse
- identification of powders and pills – from prescription medicines to drugs of abuse
- examination of items for body fluids and subsequent recovery, identification and DNA profiling
- damage to clothing
- paternity issues – using DNA profiling
- injuries: including lacerations and bruising (old and new)
- examination of hairs; for example, to determine if pulled out with force
These are only examples of the evidence types with which we can work. Our experts, see next section, cover a wide variety of other disciplines.
Our Scientists
Our specialist team of forensic scientists are some of the most experienced forensic scientists in the country. You can read more about our individual forensic scientists and their scientific disciplines on the "forensic scientists" page of this website.
Our Forensic Science Laboratories
In 2008 we created our own custom-designed DNA-secure laboratories within which we can undertake a variety of examinations on a wide range of items. You can read more about our forensic science facility on our "Forensic Science Facility" page.
Quality Accreditation
In May 2010 Forensic Access was awarded ISO 17025 accreditation for the recovery and identification of blood and semen by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Read more about our Quality Accreditation and Certification.
