The UK's first drug and alcohol court was built just a short time ago in the Inner London Family Proceedings court. Based on a US model, the court will provide support and assessment to families who are affected by drug and alcohol abuse. This new idea has allowed many more children to get back home after recieving help. This system not only addresses child and adolescent substance abuse but it also helps the parents if they have problems. "For too many years I have seen children, sometimes the fifth, sixth or seventh from the same family, being taken into care because of parental misuse of alcohol and/or drugs" says Judge Nick Crichton.
Anne Turner, assistant director, Camden Children Schools and Families, said, "The court is a way of giving families more structured support". She goes on to say,"they receive help from therapists, mentors, who are parents but also former substance users who have been through similar experiences as them and have successfully managed to keep their children, as well as specialist clinical staff". Giveing the parents choices can potentially bring these families back together again.
In the United States, drug and alcohol courts have had a high success rate of keeping children with their parents after they have received the proper support and help. Hopefully the UK will se some major improvements as well!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7112621.stm
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