High Sheriff of the West Midlands visits FDAC
The High Sheriff of the West Midlands visited our Family Drug and Alcohol Court to understand more about the unique process helping reunite parents with their children...
On Tuesday 30 July, the High Sheriff of the West Midlands visited Birmingham Children's Trust's Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC).
FDAC is an alternative family court for care proceedings, specifically designed to work with parents who struggle with alcohol and drug misuse. However, parents coming in will often have other difficulties as well, including mental health problems and experiences of domestic abuse.
Between 2021-2024, 136 parents entered Birmingham and Solihull FDAC and 58% stopped substance misuse over the three years. Beyond that, 69% of children were reunited with one or both parents, or with family or friends, at the end of proceedings. Of the children returned to their parent's care, 88% were classed as a positive reunification: meaning no further court proceedings or local authority involvement.
As a result, the High Sheriff took the opportunity to meet our wonderful FDAC team and gain more of an insight into the process that has led to these fantastic results.
The High Sheriff (far right) said of the visit:
The FDAC courts provide a unique approach to addressing the complex challenges that families affected by drug and alcohol dependency encounter.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the innovative practices and interventions employed by the FDAC team to support families in overcoming substance misuse issues by seeing some non-lawyer reviews, lawyer hearings, a graduation and speaking with the team and some parents.
From tailored treatment plans to regular court reviews and ongoing support services, it was evident that the FDAC courts prioritise the well-being and reunification of families in crisis.
My visit to the FDAC courts was both enlightening and inspiring, reaffirming the importance of community-based solutions and a compassionate approach to addressing complex social issues. I commend the hard work and dedication of the FDAC team in their mission to support families in need and promote positive outcomes for all involved.
A huge thank you to team manager Helen Davies for facilitating my visit and for the warm welcome.
To learn more about FDAC or the High Sheriff's role in the West Midlands please click on the following links: