FDAC works with parents already in the Public Law Outline process – either in pre-proceedings or court proceedings – and where drugs and alcohol are part of the presenting risk to the children . We support parents to address identified problems so the children are returned to , or remain in , their care . Where this isn ’ t possible the aim is to support parents in stabilising their alcohol or drug use and any other identified problems , so they can play a meaningful role in their children ’ s lives .

As a senior social worker in FDAC , my role is to ensure families receive an individualised programme of assessment , treatment , and support . This is in the hope that parents get the best possible chance to solve their problems , while assessing whether they can do that in a timescale compatible with their children ’ s needs and using resources that FDAC can be sure of accessing quickly from the network of partner agencies or

its own service .

The ethos of FDAC is to focus on solvable problems – that is , helping parents to tackle the issues that are preventing them from parenting their children safely , especially drug and alcohol misuse , domestic abuse and mental health problems . As we are a multi-disciplinary team , the social work role focuses on strengthening parent-child relationships and helping families build a lifestyle that is safe and child centred .

The social work role within the team drives a traumainformed and person-centred approach . There is a real commitment to listening to parents and the children we work with – this is the foundation in building a positive working relationship that is based on trust . Being listened to is something parents have often not experienced when working with other professionals .

I believe that families should stay together , wherever possible . To achieve this , it ’ s important to help parents address their difficulties so that they ’ re able to provide their children with a positive sense of emotional and physical safety . As a social worker I will always aim to ensure that the families I work with have a fair assessment , and that they receive targeted support around the areas of need .

I believe that families should stay together , wherever possible . To achieve this , it ’ s important to help parents address their difficulties so that they ’ re able to provide their children with a positive sense of emotional and physical safety .

Not all cases that come into FDAC will have a favourable outcome , where children return to or remain in their care . However , the impact of our work is felt by most parents we ’ ve worked with , as evidenced by the feedback from parents . Feedback data shows that 100 per cent of parents feel that they were treated with respect by our FDAC team and the FDAC judges , while 95 per cent feel FDAC has helped them resolve difficulties

they were facing . Regardless of whether or not reunification was achieved , an average of 71 per cent of parents across FDAC felt more in control of their life following FDAC ’ s involvement . Here are some quotes from parents we ’ ve worked with : ‘ Even though it wasn ’ t a good outcome , FDAC has helped me and supported me every step of the way ’; ‘ FDAC has allowed me see things clearer and put my children first .’

Our FDAC team has been well-received by our partner agencies , which include the local authorities and police . The local authorities have seen a reduced cost in care proceedings , with savings from not having contested hearings and fewer requests for other expert witnesses . There ’ s also the benefit of a reduced length of time in care proceedings and a positive impact on the crime figures , as 52 per cent of parents entering FDAC are known to have a previous caution or conviction . None have been cautioned during time with FDAC , and only 26 per cent are known to have had a police callout . It ' s this kind of feedback that gives me the motivation to continue supporting parents in FDAC .

Gladys Chinyandura is team manager at Black Country Family Drug and Alcohol Court ( FDAC ), Change Grow Live Walsall