Andrea Watts 1KBW Chambers
This three-part discussion examines the role and impact of the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) in care proceedings highlighting its holistic approach to supporting families. Part 1 outlines the FDAC process which offers intensive multidisciplinary support to parents struggling with substance misuse or other issues and addresses the reported outcomes. Recent case law in Part 2 illustrates the successes and challenges of FDAC showing how it can lead to positive outcomes when parents receive the right support but also identifying missed opportunities when FDAC is not engaged. Part 3 explores how FDAC strategies such as clear communication judicial continuity and extended assessments can be replicated in standard care proceedings even when FDAC is unavailable. It emphasises the benefits of trauma-informed practices structured support and flexibility in timescales to better engage parents in the process. Overall the writer advocates for expanding FDAC and incorporating its methods more widely within the family justice system.
The full article has published in the November issue of
Read the full article here.