When a parent is struggling with substance and/or alcohol abuse, it is vital that they get the support and tools they need to recover. Lily Wilson, paralegal in Bromleys’ Children Services team, explains the role that Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDACs) can play in supporting parents and families.
FDACs are specialised courts designed to help parents struggling with substance and/or alcohol abuse. These courts provide parents with the opportunity to engage in treatment programmes throughout the course of proceedings, with a view to achieving recovery and ensuring the safest and most positive outcome for their child.
The court works closely with a team of professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and substance/alcohol abuse counsellors who support parents in their recovery journey. Through regular hearings, these professionals track the progress of parents in their treatment programmes, offering guidance and support.
Parents are referred to FDAC by local authorities or during court hearings when substance and/or alcohol abuse is identified as a significant issue. An assessment is conducted to evaluate the extent of the parents’ substance use, their mental health needs, and other factors affecting their ability to care for their child.
Parents who enter the FDAC process agree to participate in treatment that may include drug testing, therapy, workshops, and other services designed to support their recovery. This treatment period is referred to as the “Trial for Change” and will last for the duration of the proceedings. In addition to regular court hearings, where the focus is on the legal progress of the case, parents also attend hearings without their solicitor every 3-4 weeks, known as ‘Non-Lawyer Reviews’. Parents are given the opportunity to speak to the Judge directly, who will provide feedback on their engagement with treatment as well as updates from other professionals involved in the case.
The overall goal of FDAC is the reunification of children with their parents, but when this is not possible FDAC will explore other placement options for the child. Towards the end of the proceedings, the FDAC team give a recommendation to the Judge and the local authority on whether they believe the parent can safely care for their child.
There are currently 13 specialist FDAC teams around the UK, working in 19 courts and serving families in 35 local authorities. The FDAC team in Manchester operates out of the Manchester Family Court.
If you are currently in care proceedings and feel that you would benefit from the support of an FDAC court, our specialist team can help. Call us on 0161 768 1596 or email bromleys@bromleys.co.uk