Liverpool City Council has officially launched the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) in the city, following in the footsteps of other areas in the country. The FDAC offers an alternative family court for care proceedings, taking a problem-solving approach to help parents dealing with substance misuse and domestic violence. The service operates independently of the council and is staffed by a team with expertise in substance use, mental health, domestic abuse, and child protection, providing comprehensive support to families in need.
The implementation of FDAC in Liverpool has been spearheaded by His Honour Judge Steven Parker, the Designated Family Judge for Cheshire and Merseyside. Speaking at the launch event at Liverpool Town Hall, Judge Parker was joined by various dignitaries, including Cllr Liz Parsons and Jenny Turnross from Liverpool City Council, along with other prominent figures in the family justice system. FDAC has a proven track record of success, with over half of children involved in proceedings being reunited with primary caregivers, compared to non-FDAC cases.
In the year 2024, Liverpool’s family court saw 1,030 families engaged in proceedings, with a significant portion of them receiving support from the city council. Cllr Liz Parsons emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues in families at risk and providing opportunities to keep families together. Judge Parker expressed his love for the city and his excitement for the positive impact the FDAC will have on Liverpool’s families. Lord Peter Jackson, the national lead judge for FDAC, commended the collaborative efforts of various sectors in bringing the FDAC to Liverpool and looks forward to seeing the positive outcomes it will achieve in the city
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