Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services.

This report provides an overview of the outcomes from the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) model in Stockport, progress in the development of a GM FDAC model, future vision, and timescales.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note the contents of the report.

Officer contact: Heidi Shaw, heidi.shaw@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an overview of the outcomes from the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) model in Stockport, progress in the development of a GM FDAC model, future vision, and timescales.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the report and praised the team for their efforts to keep families together and the recorded outcomes to date.

·       Clarification was sought regarding parents being tested for drug use and how often it was done. In response, it was noted that parents are tested regularly on a strict schedule with other opportunities for testing on a monthly basis with continued support on offer with managing the struggles and other challenges.

·       It was commented that the inter-agency working seems to be working well across organisations especially with the long-term support for the substance misuse aspect.

·       Members enquired about the funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the timescales involved. It was stated that the funding was for the ‘Domestic Abuse worker’ which came to an end in July 2023, but discussions are currently underway for a multi-authority approach going forward to assist with the funding.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.