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Family Drug and Alcohol Court
The Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) helps families where children are put at risk by parental substance misuse.
It is a new alternative to care proceedings.
We believe that no parent wants to cause their child to suffer and that every family in difficulty wants things to get better.
FDAC is a two year pilot, with plans to work with 21 families in the first year and 30 families in the second year across Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton.
How Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) works
We look at all families that are going to court to start care proceedings, to see which ones are suitable for FDAC. A case might be suitable:
- because parental substance misuse is our main worry, or one of their main worries
- if parents are showing real signs that they want to make changes to their life
FDAC is most likely to help families who are already demonstrating some willingness to change.
FDAC is a problem-solving court where the same judge reviews the case every fortnight and is supported by an independent multi-disciplinary intervention team.
FDAC focuses on the parents while keeping the child central. Parents are given ‘a trial for change’ that provides them with the best possible chance to overcome their problems.
- Intervention plan submitted between hearing 1 and 2 for your solicitor to present to the Judge
- 'Trial for change' begins
- Court hearing every two weeks
Find out more about FDAC
If you think you might be suitable for FDAC, read the FDAC leaflet for families (PDF) to get a better understanding.
You can also get in touch with your social worker and talk to them about FDAC.
FDAC leaflet for professionals (PDF) is available for social workers and legal professionals.
Watch the 'Introducing FDAC' video (42 mins):