Family Law – Impact of FDAC Unit Announcement

Tracey Crouch, Minister for Sport and Civil Society announced that the FDAC National Unit (Family Drug and Alcohol Court) will receive £6.2m from the government’s Life Chances Fund.

The FDAC teams are currently working in 12 Courts, covering 15 local authorities – these include Kent and Medway, London, East Sussex and Gloucestershire to name a few. The FDAC works with a number of local authorities to sustain or establish their service to society.

These problem-solving Courts were initially pioneered by Michael Gove during his time as Justice Secretary. Funding for these specialist teams comes from local government’s Children Service Departments and family practitioners across the UK hope that they will have a significant social impact.

In a recent announcement, Crouch stated: “The UK is a world leader in using social impact bonds to make a positive impact in society, and these projects which will achieve real results in communities across the country”.

Research conducted by a thinktank highlighted that the public sector saves £2.30 for every £1 spent on a pioneering Family Court. Justice Minister Mr Dominic Raab said recently that “he was delighted that more families will have access to Family Drugs and Alcohol Courts in an attempt to turn their lives around.” It is anticipated that this sizeable investment by the government will lead to a number of care days being saved. 

The Court system is currently significantly overworked, particularly in relation to children care cases which is having an impact across the Family Courts. It is hoped that this recent announcement will assist both families and lawyers across the UK. 

MORE INFORMATION 

Pinney Talfourd offers a free initial consultation where such matters relating to the Family Drug and Alcohol Court can be discussed with your solicitor. Please contact our Family Law department on 01708 229444 or email us using the form to the right to arrange a free initial consultation.The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. Specific legal advice should be taken on each individual matter. This article is based on the law as of October 2017.