Family Drug Treatment Court Pilot Program Established

The Family Drug Treatment Court (FDTC) has been established as a three year pilot program in the Children's Court of Victoria. The aim of the Family Drug Treatment Court is to help parents stop using drugs/alcohol and promote family reunification.

The Family Drug Treatment Court is chaired by a Children's Court magistrate and is supported by a multi-disciplinary team.  The team comprises drug and alcohol clinicians and a dedicated social worker.

The FDTC works with agencies providing services for parents in the program.  They include:

• Residential treatment
• Drug and alcohol counselling
• Mental health counselling
• Parenting programs
• Housing programs

Professionals also work with children to help them with the journey to family reunification.

Am I eligible to participate?

To be eligible for the FDTC you must:

• Have at least one child aged 0-3 years currently in out-of-home care
• Live in the catchment area of the northern region office of the department of human services
• Are seeking to have your children returned to your care
• Are committed to ceasing your drug use and creating a safer, more stable family environment
• Are willing and able to participate fully in the program (i.e. You do not have any significant physical or mental health issues that may make it difficult for you to participate)
• Consent to participate fully in the program for 12 months

How does the Family Drug Treatment Court work?

Instead of going through the normal court process, parents assessed as suitable for the Family Drug Treatment Court will enter a 12 month program.

While on the program you will be required to:

• Attend court regularly
• Participate in drug testing up to three times per week
• Attend your treatment appointments which may include residential rehabilitation programs
• Work toward achieving the goals of your family recovery plan

For more information on the Family Drug Treatment Court you can phone the Senior Clinician via the Broadmeadows Children's Court registry on (03) 9221 8100.

The Children’s Court of Victoria.