We understand the anxieties, difficulties and uncertainties facing our family clients, especially when dealing with issues concerning their child or children. It is our objective to make this journey the smoothest for you, taking into account your own personal circumstances and feelings.
Child Protection Social workers’ involvement in family life can be at any stage; initial enquiries, child protection conference, PLO meeting or court proceedings. We have specialist, sympathetic solicitors who will guide and represent you throughout. If you have any such concerns please contact us at the earliest opportunity.
If social workers become involved in a family matter it can be a very stressful time. All of our solicitors who deal with these cases have specialist qualifications (Law Society Children Panel accredited) to ensure that our clients receive the best advice and representation throughout.
This article focuses on the Family Drug and Alcohol Court.
Alternative methods when dealing with family issues
A recent development if cases involving social services is the the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) The aim of this sort of court is to help parents stop abusing drugs or alcohol so that they can safely care for their children. .
The FDAC has a range of services that are aimed to be tailored to each family’s needs; both strengths and weaknesses of individual families are taken into account when going down this route.
The FDAC process differs vastly from the usual care proceedings court process. It is specifically targeted to help tackle drug and alcohol related issues.
Initial assessment
During the first week of the court process, the assessment team look into issues such as:
- Drug and or alcohol use
- Physical and mental health
- Parenting
- Housing issues
- Domestic violence
- Relationships with children and other family members
Treatment
The FDAC has specialists who work in different areas, including clinical nurses, substance misuse workers, and senior social workers. The FDAC has psychiatrists as well as family therapists at hand, and direct links to housing associations and domestic violence teams within local authorities.
The FDAC process is very intensive and means that professionals are deeply involved in the lives of the parents who in addition will see the judge on a fortnightly basis for reviews. The number of persons who can be invited to partake in the FDAC process is very limited.
With a large team of legal advisers including Partners, Solicitors and Paralegals you can be confident in the legal advice you receive from some of the best family lawyers in the Yorkshire area. If you require more information, contact us on 0113 284 5000 or email nigel.bowman@isonharrison.co.uk.
