Why have you been invited to join FDAC? 
The local authorities look at all the cases that they are taking to court, to see which ones are suitable for FDAC. A case might be chosen because:
- Parental drug and alcohol use is the local authority’s main worry, or one of their main worries.
- Parents are showing real signs that they want to make changes to their life.
Do parents get a choice about joining FDAC?
Yes, it is up to you. You can join FDAC right away. Or you can say you want your case to go into normal care proceedings. Or you can take a bit of time to decide what to do. Your solicitor will give you advice about all of this. At the first court hearing the judge will ask if you want to do the first FDAC assessment. If you say yes, you join FDAC there and then.
What happens next?
Between the first and second court hearing you will have an assessment day at the FDAC office and an Intervention Planning Meeting. This is where the FDAC team will work with you to agree a plan of work for your Trial for Change.