Family Drug and Alcohol Court - Information for families

Who will I see at court and from the FDAC team?

At court

The same Judge, or one of a small team of Judges is in charge of what happens on your case. The FDAC Judges are trained to help families stay motivated and get better at taking charge of their lives and solving problems. Sometimes solicitors will be present and other times they won’t such as at the non-lawyer reviews every fortnight.

CAFCASS

As per traditional care proceedings a Guardian will also be appointed at the first hearing who will act in the interests of the child/ren

The FDAC team

The FDAC Specialist Team are independent and the team includes people with different skills, which is why it is called a ‘multi-disciplinary team’. It has a Team Manager, child protection Social Workers, a Substance Misuse worker, a Domestic Abuse worker, a Mental Health Worker, Family Support Workers and Parent Mentors. There is also an Adult Psychiatrist and some Therapists attached to the team.

Parent Mentor

The mentors are volunteers that have overcome drug or alcohol problems in their life and some have also been involved in care proceedings. They are there to provide you with support, encouragement and reassurance.